Short-handed and short on scoreboard

Capitals can’t overcome their depleted roster

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals knew they were playing with fire from the opening puck drop Friday night against the Montreal Canadians.

With only 11 healthy forwards and seven defensemen dressing for the 5-2 loss at Capital One Arena, the game would once again test the Capitals’ ability to win in varied situations.

But with players double-shifting, defenseman Tyler Lewington being used briefly as a forward and the Capitals unable to convert high-quality chances early, Washington (14-3-4) continued to struggle after falling into a four-goal deficit in the middle period.

The Capitals were given brief life with two late goals in the third period — one from captain Alex Ovechkin at the 5-minute, 34-second mark and the latter from Evgeny Kuznetsov with 4:22 left in the game — but they were unable to complete the comeback.

Ovechkin’s power-play goal, the 672nd goal of his career, was assisted by John Carlson, who recorded his 31st point (eight goals, 23 assists) of the season. Kuznetsov’s goal came on a breakaway as he got the puck past goaltender Carey Price to cut Montreal’s lead to two before Tomas Tatar scored an empty-netter with 2:31 left.

Friday’s loss marked the first time Washington has lost in regulation since falling 6-3 to Colorado on Oct. 14.

The Capitals are now 5-2-3 on their home ice.

The Canadiens broke a scoreless tie in the second period and went on to collect four goals in the session.