from Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post,

In one of Washington’s worst losses of the season, the Capitals were routed by the Predators, 7-2, to drop their third straight game. Their lead in the Metropolitan Division has evaporated — the Columbus Blue Jackets have pulled into a tie with 59 points — and this can officially be considered a midseason slump. Washington has lost six of its past nine games, and it scored its first five-on-five goal (courtesy of T.J. Oshie) in three games when there was less than four minutes left in the third period. The Capitals already trailed by six at that point.

“When we’re on our game, we’re one of the best teams in the league,” center Lars Eller said. “I’m confident that we can beat any team in the league when we’re on our game. Lately, we have not been on our game.”

Goaltender Braden Holtby was initially scheduled to start against the Predators, but after a stick got through his mask and clipped him in the left eye Saturday night against the Blue Jackets, the Capitals decided to play it safe with his health. A team spokesman said before the game that Holtby was capable of playing, which is why he was available in a backup capacity for a second straight game, but “the club is being extra cautious with him as he fully recovers with his injury.” After the game, Coach Todd Reirden said the team learned just a few hours before puck drop that Holtby “wasn’t going to be able to play,” and there wasn’t time to recall another goaltender.

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Game highlights are below.