Capitals at Flames
The Washington Capitals have struggled to regain their Stanley Cup-winning form, with Thursday's 4-1 setback in Edmonton serving as their fourth loss in six games. The Capitals will look to change their luck against the league's other Alberta resident on Saturday when they visit the Calgary Flames, who were blitzed for a staggering nine goals in their last contest.
Fourth-line forward Andre Burakovsky scored Washington's lone goal versus the Oilers, with John Carlson notching an assist to extend a franchise record for most points (14) in October by a defenseman. The 28-year-old Carlson has scored three goals and set up five others during his four-game point streak, although he was held off the scoresheet in two meetings with Calgary last season. The Flames were booed off the ice at Scotiabank Saddledome after Pittsburgh built a 7-0 lead following two periods of play on Thursday en route a 9-1 setback, marking their worst home-ice defeat in 22 years. "An embarrassment as far as I'm concerned. And I think everyone realizes that," goaltender Mike Smith said after yielding six goals on 21 shots before being relieved by David Rittich. "But it's over. When stuff doesn't go your way, you've gotta work and work and work, have a good attitude and try to be better."
TV: 4 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, Sportsnet1, Sportsnet, Sportsnet Pacific (Calgary)
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (4-3-2): While Washington's power play has long been potent and reside atop the league at a blistering 37.5 percent, it's penalty kill has left plenty for which to be desired with at least one goal surrendered in each of the last six contests. "We are coming up on Game 10 here, and it is definitely a work in progress in that department. We can be better for sure in that regard," coach Todd Reirden said. Nicklas Backstrom, who eclipsed the 600-assist plateau on Monday, has doused the Flames for 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 15 career encounters.
ABOUT THE FLAMES (5-5-0): Coach Bill Peters is giving his charges a chance to make amends following Thursday's thrashing by the Penguins. "We're going right back to Smitty (on Saturday) and give our guys a chance to redeem themselves for that effort last night," Peters said Friday. James Neal, who has scored at least 20 goals in each of his previous 10 seasons in the NHL, netted just his second in 2018-19 versus his former team and resides two points shy of 500 for his career.
OVERTIME
1. Calgary C Sean Monahan, who had an assist against the Penguins, scored two goals and set up another versus Washington last season.
2. Capitals G Pheonix Copley is expected to draw his second start of 2018-19 on Saturday.
3. Flames F Johnny Gaudreau has been kept off the scoresheet in consecutive contests after notching at least one point in seven of his previous eight games.