The second leg of the Washington Capitals’ trip out West was a forgetful one.
After disposing of the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, the Capitals were nowhere near at the same level in Calgary, and the result on Saturday was a 5-2 loss in which the Flames got goals from four different players.
Capitals’ goalie Braden Holtby was pulled after allowing three goals on 14 shots in the first period, before giving way to Michal Neuvirth.
In relief, and with his team trailing by one, Neuvirth surrendered a weak third-period goal that put Calgary up by two.
“Calgary was prepared to play the game and we weren’t. That’s why we lost the game,” said Holtby, as per Katie Carrera of the Washington Post.
“It’s nothing to do (with) systems, it’s nothing to do (with) the coaching staff. It’s what we do as professional athletes…prepare yourself.”
Up next for the Capitals is a visit to Vancouver, where they will play the Canucks on Monday.