Junior Capitals Stopped by Columbus

The Washington Junior Capitals outshot the Columbus Junior Blue Jackets 34-23, but it mattered little as the Jackets converted on three power plays to secure a 5-2 victory on Day 63. Washington dropped to 12-16-3 with the loss.

The Capitals dominated the opening period, but after wasting seven minutes of power play time, the team went down a goal the first time they were shorthanded. With Lance Moynch in the box for hooking, Naurov scored from Kolarik and Alen at 16:48 to give the Jackets a 1-0 lead.

The second period saw a number of penalties and another Columbus power play goal late in the action. Jean-Claude Sawyer was in the box this time for roughing as Aikens netted from Mandeville at 16:49 to make it 2-0. The gloves dropped a couple minutes after the goal as Igor Shadulov and Beckett fought to a draw.

Another fight opened the third period with Fabien Laniel and Aikens squaring off without a winner at 2:07. Thirty-six seconds later it was 3-0 as Fitzgerald scored from Sannit and Estrada for the Jackets. Washington finally pulled a goal back at 11:54 when Sawyer netted from Ryan MacMurchy and Laniel, but nine seconds later Columbus was on the board again. Kurka got the goal from Aikens and Mandeville to make it 4-1. The Capitals scored their second goal at 16:00 through Moynch rom Matt Maglione and Sean Bergenheim. Columbus wasn't finished, however, and Mandeville completed the scoring on the power play from Hennessy and Kolarik at 18:23. A final fight 25 seconds after the goal saw Moynch beat up Columbus' Aikens, but it was nothing more than an emotional lift for the Washington fans.

Brad Topping made just 18 saves in the loss to fall to 8-11-2. Yan Danis stopped 23 shots to earn the win for Columbus.

The Junior Capitals return to action on Day 64 against Calgary.