WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite outshooting Washington 38-19, the Columbus Blue Jackets couldn't find the back of the net as they were blanked by the Capitals 1-0 on Sunday night.
The game marked the season debuts of Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson for Washington. Both skaters underwent major procedures in the offseason after the first round of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs in May. Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery and Wilson had ACL surgery.
Even though they got two major star players back, the Capitals didn't get the advantage they were hoping for against a struggling Columbus team.
Columbus peppered the Capitals net with twice as many shots on goal and limited Washington's scoring chances at 5-on-5 and on the power play.
But all the Capitals would need is an early goal from Erik Gustafsson just 2:43 into the game to secure the win for the Washington.
Darcy Kuemper got his second shutout in five games as he turned aside 37 shots from a Blue Jackets team that swarmed the net all night. Kuemper has four shutouts on the season to lead the NHL.
Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves as Columbus has now lost 10 of its past 12 games.
Columbus 0 0 0 = 0
Washington 1 0 0 = 1
First Period
WSH—Erik Gustafsson (7) — Assists: Nic Dowd (8), Garnet Hathaway (7), 2:43.
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