COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — Clay Stevenson made 27 saves as the Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena. Anthony Beauvillier tied the game for Washington in the second period, answering Boone Jenner’s opening goal for Columbus. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored the game-winner on a third-period power play, with Alex Ovechkin recording an assist. Stevenson, a rookie from Drayton Valley, Alberta, earned his first win of the season, outdueling Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves, who stopped 19 shots. The Capitals improved to 43-39, while the Blue Jackets fell to 40-42.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — Clay Stevenson turned aside 27 shots and the Washington Capitals scored twice in the final period to edge the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena. In a game defined by tight checking and missed opportunities, the Capitals broke a third-period deadlock on defenseman Jakob Chychrun’s power-play goal with just over five minutes remaining to secure the victory. The win improved Washington’s record to 43-39, while Columbus fell to 40-42. The contest was a stark contrast to the teams’ previous meetings this season, which were high-scoring affairs, and defied the pregame projections that favored a more offensive outcome. National Statistical’s game simulator had projected a 4-3 Columbus win, and the total of three goals landed well under the over/under line of 6. After a scoreless and often sloppy first period that featured 18 combined giveaways, Columbus struck first early in the second. Just 27 seconds into the frame, Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner collected a pass from Mason Marchment, drove into the slot and snapped a wrist shot past Stevenson for his 13th goal of the season. Danton Heinen earned the secondary assist. Washington answered late in the period to draw even. With under a minute left in the second, Anthony Beauvillier took a feed from Trevor van Riemsdyk and fired a quick wrist shot from the right circle that beat Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves for his 15th goal, sending the teams to the second intermission tied 1-1. The Capitals’ decisive goal came on a man-advantage created when Columbus forward Miles Wood was penalized for high-sticking. On the ensuing power play, Alex Ovechkin set up at his familiar spot in the left circle and fed Chychrun at the point. Chychrun’s wrist shot found its way through traffic and past Greaves at the 14:07 mark of the third period for his 26th goal of the year. Tom Wilson provided the screen and an assist on the play. Columbus pressed for the equalizer with Greaves pulled for an extra attacker in the final 90 seconds, but Stevenson and the Washington defense held firm. The Blue Jackets managed 11 shots in the third period but could not solve Stevenson a second time. Stevenson, a 6-foot-4 goaltender from Drayton Valley, Canada, was steady throughout, earning his first win of the season by stopping 27 of 28 shots. His counterpart, Greaves, made 19 saves on 21 shots in the loss. Jenner, from Dorchester, Canada, was a force for Columbus beyond his goal, recording four shots and three hits. Beauvillier, from Sorel, Canada, led Washington with three shots to go with his tying goal. Chychrun, a defenseman from Boca Raton, Florida, provided the game-winner on his only shot of the night. Ovechkin, the veteran star from Moscow, was held off the scoresheet aside from his key assist on the winning goal, firing four shots on net. Marchment, from Uxbridge, Canada, had an assist and three shots for Columbus, while Provorov, from Yaroslavl, Russia, led all skaters with four shots on goal. The game was a disciplined one, with only four minor penalties called. Washington was cited once for too many men, while Columbus penalties to Kent Johnson (slashing), Wood (high-sticking), and Marchment (hooking) proved costly, with the Capitals converting on one of their three power-play chances. Washington killed the only penalty it took. The victory extended Washington’s recent strong form, marking their third win in their last four games following a 3-0 shutout of Pittsburgh on Sunday. Columbus, meanwhile, has now dropped two straight after a 5-2 win in Montreal last Saturday. The Capitals have dominated the season series against the Blue Jackets, winning all four matchups. They previously defeated Columbus 5-1 and 2-0 in Washington, and 5-1 in Columbus back in October. Washington concludes its regular season on the road against the New York Islanders on Thursday. Columbus finishes its campaign at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday.

Preview: Capitals at Blue Jackets, April 14, 2026 COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for final playoff positioning will meet Tuesday night when the Washington Capitals visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Capitals (42-39-0) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 3-0 shutout of Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Blue Jackets (40-40-0) snapped a three-game skid with a 5-2 road win in Montreal on Saturday. Both clubs sit near the Eastern Conference playoff cutline with time running short in the regular season. Washington has dominated the season series, sweeping all three meetings and outscoring Columbus 12-2. The most recent was a 2-0 Capitals victory on Dec. 7, 2025. A key player to watch for Washington is center Connor McMichael, who is riding a hot streak. He recorded two goals and an assist in Sunday’s win and has collected four goals and five assists over his last nine games. His recent surge has been vital for the Capitals’ offense. Columbus will counter with center Charlie Coyle, who scored two goals on six shots in Saturday’s victory. Coyle has been a consistent point producer, tallying four goals and four assists in his last ten outings, including a four-point night against Carolina on March 17. The Capitals’ recent success has been bolstered by strong goaltending. Logan Thompson stopped all 24 shots he faced for the shutout against Pittsburgh. Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk also contributed a goal in that contest. For Columbus, alongside Coyle, wing Kirill Marchenko (one goal, one assist) and captain Boone Jenner (one goal) provided the secondary scoring needed in the win over Montreal. Washington’s current run follows a stretch of inconsistent play, including an 8-1 loss to the New York Rangers on April 5. Columbus has also struggled for consistency, alternating wins with losses over the past month. Tuesday’s matchup presents a critical opportunity for both teams. A win for the Capitals would solidify their momentum and season-series sweep. For the Blue Jackets, a victory is essential to gain ground and prove they can solve a divisional opponent that has handled them with ease this year. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT.