The Capitals earned it — the game and the expected-goals battle both.
Columbus controlled the volume but not the outcome. The Blue Jackets held 57% of shot attempts, yet the Capitals won 2-1 because Washington's shots were sharper — 0.077 expected goals per attempt versus Columbus's 0.058.
That quality gap crystallized in xG: Washington 4.14, Columbus 2.97, a 58-42 split in the Capitals' favor. High-danger chances followed, 8-5 Washington.
Both teams underperformed their xG — Washington by 2.14 goals, Columbus by 1.97 — yet their goalies overdelivered. C. Stevenson recorded 27 of 28 saves (0.964 SV%, +1.97 above expected); J. Greaves made 19 of 21 (0.905 SV%, +2.14 above expected). When Jakob Chychrun's snap shot from the top of the circles found the back of the net (P3, 15:53), it ended a game where neither team had executed.
Washington's rush offense proved the difference. The Capitals scored 2 goals on 25 rush chances, converting when it mattered most. Columbus couldn't match that pace. The Jackets created four rebound opportunities; Washington generated five. Neither team capitalized.
Columbus generated volume but lacked precision. Washington took fewer chances and capitalized. That's how road teams steal wins.
