WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals hadn't lost a game in regulation at home since before Thanksgiving, and though an Alex Ovechkin goal sparked a rally, it wasn't enough as the team's impressive point streak at Capital One Arena came to an end at the hands of the Calgary Flames.

Ovechkin had the lone goal, but ultimately, a slow start sunk D.C. in a 3-1 loss.

Here are all the takeaways from the defeat.

Capitals Get Off To Rough Start, Controversial Goal Deflating

The Capitals didn't get off to the start they wanted by any means, as they were caught flat-footed as the Flames easily handled D.C. through the first 20 minutes.

Calgary outshot Washington 15-5 through the first period, and easily controlled play while limiting the Capitals' time in the zone.

The first goal against didn't help, as Martin Pospisil deflected in a puck with his leg past Logan Thompson to open the scoring for the Flames. Despite the argument of a distinct kicking motion from Pospisil, the officials ruled it a good goal, and Washington didn't have grounds to challenge, leading to a deflating early deficit to climb out of.

Minutes later, Matt Coronato hustled for a loose puck that dribbled its way down the ice, beating out the Capitals on the backcheck for the breakaway and an easy goal that beat Thompson high to make it 2-0.

Overall, the first was a far cry from the high-octane offense that D.C. provided coming out of the break, and ultimately, it would prove costly.

Capitals Find Some Life In Second To Kickstart Rally, But Poor Execution Costly

Washington came out as a different team in the second, turning the tide and taking control of the game back while showing some grit and physicality that was missing earlier in the tilt.

The Capitals outshot Calgary 12-3 in the second and did a better job of setting up chances offensively, but it wasn't easy to solve Dan Vladar, who came up big for the Flames time and time again.

It set the team up for a strong third, where it finally broke through. Second periods have been kind to D.C. since returning from the break, and it's a positive sign that the trend is continuing.

Still, execution was an issue, and the team was just out of sync and couldn't figure out how to solve Calgary, who put up a strong effort.

Alex Ovechkin Continues Gr8 Chase, Capitals Come Up Short Despite Push

And of course, as has been the trend, Alex Ovechkin couldn't leave the ice without getting closer to Wayne Gretzky's record.

The 39-year-old had 10 shot attempts entering the third period, and finally, on the team's third power play of the night, broke through. He picked up a feed from John Carlson and fired home a rocket from a sharp angle to finally solve Vladar and pull D.C. to 2-1.

It marked Ovechkin's 30th goal of the season and his record 19th consecutive 30-goal campaign, and he's also the only player in NHL history to score 30 goals in less than 50 games at the age of 39 or older.

The Russian is now just 12 goals away from breaking Gretzky's record and sits at 883 career goals. He is on pace to finish with 47 goals, which would have him not only breaking the record but hitting the 900-goal mark.

Sitting Down With GR8Ness: There's More To Alex Ovechkin Beyond The Goals ARLINGTON, V.A. — Sitting in his stall at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, still wearing his gear, untying his trademark yellow laces and proudly wearing his No. 8 on a gold chain around his neck, Alex Ovechkin glances over.

While Ovechkin's goal provided a spark and led to a late rally as the Capitals fought to the end, but it wasn't enough, and Jonathan Huberdeau's late insurance rally restored the two-goal lead.

It marked just Logan Thompson's third regulation loss of the season and ended an impressive 16-game point streak for the team, which hadn't lost in regulation since Jan. 25.