Aliaksei Protas’ goal breaks tie, lifts Capitals past Flames

Aliaksei Protas broke a third-period tie to spark the visiting Washington Capitals to a 3-1 comeback victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday to snap a four-game skid.

Hendrix Lapierre scored his first NHL goal in 22 months and Alex Ovechkin added an empty netter for the Capitals, who scored three unanswered goals to finally win a game on a six-game road trip after dropping the first two outings.

Goalie Logan Thompson made 25 saves to claim the victory in his hometown.

Morgan Frost replied for the Flames, who are winless in three games and on a 3-7-1 slide.

Goalie Devin Cooley stopped 35 shots.

After a dreadful first period for the Capitals in which they fell behind, they turned the tide following the intermission and were rewarded when Lapierre pulled them even at 6:33 of the second period. John Carlson's point shot was blocked by a Flames defender, but the puck ricocheted to Lapierre at the side of the net for the tap in to net his first goal in 91 games. Curiously, his last goal -- on March 18, 2024 -- also came in Calgary.

Protas put Washington ahead at 7:35 of the third period with his first goal in eight games thanks to another lucky bounce. Justin Sourdif's sharp-angled attempt banked off a defensemen's skate into Cooley and bounced to Protas with an open net to hit. Protas has scored 17 goals, all at even strength.

Ovechkin rounded out the scoring by hitting an empty net with 53 seconds remaining.

Calgary had the early jump and was rewarded when Frost opened the scoring on the power play just past the six-minute mark. While on a 4-on-2 rush, the result of his strong defensive play to break up a chance at his own net, Frost worked to the slot and threaded a wrist shot off the blocker-side post and into the net.

The Flames have been held to one goal in three consecutive games.

Washington defenseman Jakob Chychrun left the game midway through the third period after an accidental collision with Nazem Kadri. The Capitals visit the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.