Alex Ovechkin scores 899, Blue Jackets lose to Capitals – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets lost 5-1 to the Washington Capitals on Friday night at Nationwide Arena. But the team felt like they were playing well, especially in the first two quarters.
Logan Thompson was outstanding, making 34 saves in the third period and allowing just one goal to Denton Mateychuk. The Capitals scored four goals in the third period, two of which were questionable goals scored by Mathieu Olivier in a five-minute span.
The Blue Jackets were not happy with what happened after the game.
game review
Early on, it was a fast-paced game with both teams staying patient and staying within their structure. The first quarter ended quickly, 0-0. The Capitals and Blue Jackets each had 12 shots on goal.
It was a similar story at the start of the second quarter. But the Blue Jackets dominated for the most part. Thompson’s outstanding performance kept the game at 0-0.
Thompson’s performance prompted head coach Dean Evason to say, “What the hell? How did he do that?” He performed well throughout the game, making several big saves in crucial moments.
The score was 0-0 with less than two minutes left in the second period, and the Capitals had only one shot on goal in the period, with John Carlson opening the scoring from distance. That gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead heading into the locker room. The Blue Jackets had a 10-2 shooting advantage in the middle game.
The Capitals scored two goals in the first 1:04 of the third quarter. In a face-off, Alex Ovechkin scored his 899th career goal to make it 2-0. Justin Soldif then extended the score to 3-0.
With Sean Monahan’s outstanding play, Mateychuk finally beat Thompson and chased the score to 3-1 midway through the third quarter. Then, things took a turn for the worse for the Blue Jackets.
Their side tried to press but Dmitry Voronkov’s goal was overturned due to a kick. Olivier then hit Declan Chisholm. After review, the referee ruled Olivier’s elbow a five-minute slam but did not rule it a match misconduct.
With Olivier in the penalty area, the Capitals made it 5-1 on two power-play goals from Tom Wilson and Connor McMichael.
After the game, the Blue Jackets weren’t happy about being called a grand slam under the circumstances. Evenson said Olivier had just “finished his check.” He then shared his thoughts on the call, saying, “I’m talking to some really smart hockey people and they just don’t understand what that call was. There was no intent.”
Dean Evason talks about Mathieu Olivier Major:
“The guy got hit. First he stopped, jumped to the side. We were just finishing up the check. The arm was finishing up the check. No chicken wings. His head hit the glass. He was hit on this side. He grabbed his (other) side. …
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) October 25, 2025
Olivier, through a Blue Jackets spokesman, declined to speak to the media after the game.
The Blue Jackets will face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Capitals will host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.
