Blue Jackets Escape With Victory in NHL

By ESPN

John Tortorella had worried about Sunday's game, the first matinee for the Columbus all season. He didn't want the Washington Capitals to get off to a quick start.

The Capitals scored on Nicklas Backstrom's goal barely three minutes into the game, but the Blue Jackets didn't fold and got a last-minute goal with Backstrom in the penalty box and escaped with their fourth straight win, 3-2 over the angry Capitals. Backstrom was called for high-sticking Nick Foligno with 1:34 remaining, a penalty that the Capitals vehemently disputed.

Alexander Wennberg took a pass from Foligno and slammed it past Capitals goalie Braden Holtby with 54 seconds left in the game. The goal was confirmed after a video review.

It was the Blue Jackets' second power play goal of the game, and Washington coach Barry Trotz didn't like the call that cost his team.

"If you see the replay, he doesn't really touch him, and his head pops up when (Backstrom's) stick is already on the way down. That's just a little disrespectful to the game," Trotz said. "The penalty call was not great for me."

Backstrom, who also assisted on Alex Ovechkin's ninth goal of the season midway through the second period, didn't think he touched Foligno.

"Last two minutes you get a penalty that's not a penalty, that's tough," Backstrom said.

Columbus has its longest winning streak since they ran off nine straight wins from March 18-April 4, 2015.

Sunday, November 20 Scoreboard

Columbus 3, Washington 2

Carolina 3, Winnipeg 1

Florida 3, New York Rangers 2 (SO)

Calgary 3, Detroit 2

Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 2

Monday, November 21 Schedule (All Times Central)

Calgoary at Buffalo, 6 p.m.

New York Rangers at Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

Colorado at Columbus, 6 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Edmonton, 8 p.m.

New Jersey at San Jose, 9:30 p.m.