NHL Game Recaps: Capitals vs. Blue Jackets, Blackhawks vs. Lightning

As the pre-season begins, I would like to welcome you to this year's first set of NHL Game Recaps. Today, I'll be recapping...

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning.

Washington overpowers Columbus in 6-2 win

Matt Hendricks scored three goals in a meeting between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night, contributing to a final score of 6-2 for the Capitals.

The game lived to see a wild second period, with five goals scored in total, four of which were Washington's. The remaining goal belonged to Rick Nash of the Blue Jackets, who fired a wrist shot to break the shut out bid for Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby, the goaltenders for Washington. Nikita Filatov was the other goal scorer.

Holtby came into the game with about 30 minutes left and made 17 out of 19 saves. On the other hand, Varlomov stopped all 20 of the shots taken on him.

Two other players key contributors for the Capitals were Tomas Fleischmann and Alexander Semin. Fleischmann posted two goals and an assist, while Semin registered three assists.

The final shot total was 39-29 in favour of Columbus.

Blackhawks lose to the Lightning in 4-2 bout

On a night that was a homecoming of sorts for three Chicago players, the Blackhawks lost 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in NHL pre-season action in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos opened the scoring with 2:03 left in the first period when he knocked in a loose puck on Marty Turco, Chicago's goaltender. Carter Ashton, Simon Gagne and Blair Jones also posted goals for Tampa in the win, Ashton's being a late power play marker. Gagne also added a pair of assists.

Winnipeg boys Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp were the goal-scorers for the Blackhawks. Sharp's tally came :49 into the second period and was assisted by youngster Bryan Bickell. It was one of four goals on the night that were knocked into the net on a rebound or scrum in front of the goal crease.

Duncan Keith, the other hometown boy, was held pointless.

The game ended with a six-on-three for Chicago with their goalie pulled, but the extra effort was to no avail as they failed to convert on the man advantage.

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