By The Associated Press’s Mitch Stacy
Columbus, Ohio The Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Thursday night thanks to a goal from Aliaksei Protas 2:23 into overtime.
In a match that saw outstanding play from both goalies, Protas had tied the score 31 seconds into the third period. Protas scored his eleventh overtime goal of the season.
For the Capitals, Charlie Lindgren recorded 32 saves, including three during Columbus’ protracted possession to begin OT.
Jet Greaves stopped 35 shots in his 11th NHL game and first start of the season, and Zach Werenski scored his 100th goal with 5:48 remaining in the second period.
On a power play late in the second period, Werenski intercepted a pass from Kent Johnson and beat the protected Lindgren with a long shot from the slot.
The Capitals have won seven of the last eight games including three straight.
Takeaways
Capitals: Won their tenth consecutive road victory, setting a franchise record. The Capitals became the third club in NHL history to win nine straight road games in regulation play last Saturday after defeating Montreal 4–2.
Blue Jackets: Despite a strong performance from Greaves, who was brought up Wednesday from the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters, the team lost for the sixth time in six games.
Key moment
In overtime, the Capitals finally gained possession of the ball and scored on their first attempt after the Blue Jackets barged in on Lindgren.
Key stat
The NHL’s first defenseman to score ten goals this season is Werenski. In addition, he is the eighth Blue Jackets player to score 100 goals.
Up next
On Saturday night, both teams will play again, with the Blue Jackets hosting the Ducks and the Capitals visiting the Sabres.
https://apnews.com/hub/nhl is the AP NHL.
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