The Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals may have just become the newest under the radar rivals in the league after the skirmish saw around the world. The Capitals stole this one late in the overtime frame by the final score of 3-2.
Period I
Anthony Mantha opened the floodgates with a powerplay goal for his eighth of the season with less than 90 seconds remaining. Alexander Ovechkin and John Carlson had the assists.
Period II
Cole Sillinger batted a bomb behind the Caps’ goaltender for his third of the season. Johnny Gaudreau set up Emil Bemstorm in the high slot and Silly was right in front to put it away and even the game for the first time since the first period.
Mantha responded again for the road team for his second of the game and ninth of the year from Aliaksei Protas and Carlson.
Period III
Yegor Chinakov continues his production for the Russian line evening the game with his ninth of the campaign midway into the frame. His fadeaway was setup by Dmitri Voronkov in the corner. Erik Gudbranson had the secondary assist.
Overtime
Tom Wilson into the net and Elvis welcomes the goon into a shoving match while he is down on his knees. Very welcome duel and shows the fire the Union Blue is missing in team toughness. They lost their cool and suffered short handed. Don’t mess with the house Wilson. Elvis is a tough cookie. This feels like a division rivalry in the making between the young up and comers against the old winners.
The return of Alexander Ovechkin to the goal scoring department. Ovi got the game winning goal in the final minute of overtime off the powerplay for his first goal since November 18, the last time these teams played. His 6th of the season is assisted by Dylan Strome and Carlsson.
Players to Watch
Dylan Strome had the primary assist on the game winner. That put him at 7 assists and 20 points in 30 games for Washington.
Yegor Chinakov has 4 goals in his last 5 games, 6 in his last 6. His hot streak has landed him with 10 points. Strong push lately for the first rounder.
Goaltenders
Charlie Lindgren stopped 34 of 36 for a 0.944 save percentage. He seems to have assembled to the starting role over the struggling Darcy Kuemper this season. $1.1M starter isn’t a bad deal for the Caps.
Elvis Merzlikins’ late penalty costed the game, allowing 3 goals on 32 shots faced for a 0.906 save percentage.
Season Results
Washington swept the Blue Jackets in a 3-0 in the regular season, and split the preseason. Best four of five to Capitals.
P1 - the preseason prospects highlight the Washington victory.
P2 - Fantilli and Laine find the chemistry in the final preseason game.
G1 - Milano scores against the former team.
G2 - Milano puts up a multi-point performance, Ovi goal 827. Voronkov Calder dark horse.
G3 - Wilson v Merzlikins; Ovi goal 828; Chinakov point streak.
CBJ THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Yegor Chinakov — goal (9)
2. Cole Sillinger — goal (3)
3. Emil Bemstrom — assist (5)
Next contest - Toronto at home
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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