Capitals Edge Jackets

Frantisek Lukes scored a goal and assisted on another to lead the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Day 148. The result keeps Washington in sixth place in the Wales Conference and moves the team to 33-31-11. The Caps are two points ahead of New Jersey and three behind Philadelphia.

After a scoreless opening period that saw Washington outshoot Columbus 17-5, the Capitals took the lead midway through the second. Lukes got the goal from Greg Watson and Michal Rozsival at 10:23.

The Blue Jackets jumped out quickly in the final period, and Halpern tied the game from Berglund and Heffernan after just 21 seconds. The Capitals turned up the pressure after Columbus tied the game, and David Vyborny became the hero when he scored his first goal for Washington on the power play at 14:59. The marker was Vyborny's 27th of the season and came from Lukes and Andrew Ference.

Manny Legace made 20 saves to earn the win and improve to 26-26-8. Arturs Irbe stopped 34 shots in the loss and fell to 1-2-0.

The Capitals are off on Day 149 before visiting Buffalo on Day 150.