Predators' win streak snapped with 4-1 loss at Washington

Sergei Kostitsyn scored his fifth goal of the season, but the Nashville Predators’ season-long win streak was snapped because they could not keep pace with the Washington Capitals.

Alexander Ovechkin scored the first of two first-period goals for Washington. Nashville never overcame that early deficit at lost 4-1 Tuesday at Washington, D.C.

The Predators had won their previous five, all by one goal. That streak included third-period rallies against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings.

Kostitsyn got Nashville within one, 2-1, when he scored at 4:40 of the third period of this one. Shea Weber had the lone assist.

The Capitals answered, though, with goals by Alexander Semin and Troy Brouwer, the latter on a power play with 6:14 remaining.

Nashville, which was 9-for-19 with the man-advantage over the previous eight games, failed to convert on five chances. Brouwer’s goal came on the second of Washington’s two power plays.

Nicklas Backstrom led the Capitals with a goal and an assist, and Marcus Johansson had two assists.

Anders Lindback was in goal for Nashville, which was outshot 23-21. It was Lindback’s first appearance since Dec. 3 and his second straight defeat. The four goals allowed matched his highest total of the season.

The Predators are home Thursday against Columbus.