Caps defeat Blue Jackets 4-1

The Washington Capitals finished off a busy week going 2-1, highlighted by Saturday’s 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Sitting at 2-5 entering the contest, head coach Adam Oates decided to shift right wing Martin Erat from the fourth to the second line, and his decision quickly paid of as Erat assisted on three of the four Capital tallies.

Oct 16, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates with the puck as New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) defends in the third period at Verizon Center. The Rangers won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After a scoreless opening period, it was Joel Ward who got Washington on the board first with a power play goal.  Then, it was crafty veteran Brooks Laich who continued the Capitals momentum scoring with about 12 minutes remaining in the second session.

The Caps entered the third with a 2-0 lead, but Washington wasn’t done yet, as Erat led a break away capped of by a goal from Troy Brouwer.  Finally, it was the Captain Alex Ovechkin’s turn, as he scored his league leading seventh goal of the season during a power Play.  Braden Holtby played exceptional game stopping 37 shots and allowing just a late goal to Artem Anisimov.

After wrapping up a five-game home stand, the Washington Capitals currently sit in fourth place in the difficult Metropolitan Conference.  Next up, Washington will travel to Winnipeg as they take on the Jets at 8:00 PM.