Backstrom scores twice as Capitals down Flames 6-2

CALGARY - Nicklas Backstrom scored twice and Alex Ovechkin added a goal and an assist as the Washington Capitals beat the Calgary Flames 6-2 on Tuesday.

The goal that broke a 1-1 tie and put the Caps into the lead for good came 30 seconds into the second when Ovechkin's long shot was stopped by Karri Ramo, but mishandled, allowing the Washington captain to poke in his rebound.

It was Ovechkin's fourth goal of the season and 900th career point.

Andre Burakovsky, TJ Oshie and Jason Chimera also scored for Washington (4-1-0). Evgeny Kuznetsov chipped in with three assists. The Capitals were playing their first road game of the year. Their three-game trek through Western Canada continues Thursday in Vancouver.

Sean Monahan and Mark Giordano scored for Calgary (1-5-0), which has opened with four straight losses on home ice for the first time in franchise history.

Two points through six games also equals the club's worst overall start. In 1997-98, Calgary began the season 0-4-2.

Ahead by one, the Caps extended their cushion to 4-1 halfway through the second on goals 41 seconds apart by Backstrom and Oshie.

First, Justin Williams — with all five Flames skaters affixed on him behind the net — fed the puck to an uncovered Backstrom in the slot and he hammered a one-timer past Ramo.

Then Oshie drove to the top of the crease, knocked Dougie Hamilton out of the way with a hit, and promptly converted Kuznetsov's centring pass before Hamilton could recover.

That goal ended the night for Ramo, who exited with 14 saves on 18 shots. He was replaced by Jonas Hiller, who would finish the night having surrendered two goals against on 12 shots.

The Flames continue to look for answers in net. Ramo and Hiller have split the first six games so far and both have struggled. Calgary is carrying three goalies, with 24-year-old Joni Ortio also on the roster.

Braden Holtby, in his fifth straight start, had 17 stops to get the victory for Washington.

After Monahan put the Flames on the scoreboard nine minutes into the first period, Burakovky tied it thanks to a set-up from Kuznetsov, who stripped the puck from Dennis Wideman.

Notes: Calgary C Joe Colborne (broken thumb) returned after missing the season's first give games... Ortio has yet to even dress as the back-up. He hasn't played since his last pre-season appearance on Oct. 1.