The Washington Capitals are halfway to elimination. The possibility of another second-round disappointment has been upgraded to the first round.
Despite outshooting Columbus 58-30 overall, the Capitals gave up three straight goals in the second period to fall behind by a goal and even T.J. Oshie’s clutch goal late in the third to force overtime wasn’t enough to reverse fate. Matt Calvert scored in the 13th minute of extra time to deliver the Blue Jackets their second straight win at Capital One Arena, 5-4.
Braden Holtby replaced Philipp Grubauer in net after two periods and did not allow a goal until the Blue Jackets’ game-winner.