The Washington Capitals returned to Verizon Center for the first time since May Monday night. Meanwhile, Dennis Wideman returned to home ice for the first time since March after recovering from a leg injury. It did not take him long to get reacclimated.
Wideman's power play goal midway through the first period and Cody Eakin's late goal have given the Caps a 2-0 lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets after 20 minutes.
The Caps had several good chances early on, especially when Alexander Semin's rebound attempt on Mike Knuble's chance in the slot hit the post before Blue Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford covered the puck. Yet, Wideman got one past Sanford on a broken play during the Caps' second power play opportunity. Chris Bourque got the puck to Troy Brouwer along the left boards, who was looking for a cutting Alex Ovechkin. Brouwer's pass alluded Ovechkin, but Wideman turned it into a one-timer from the point to give the Caps a 1-0 lead at 9:48.
Eakin made it 2-0 at 15:00 when Bourque, battling behind the net, sent a backhanded centering pass to Eakin in the slot for his first goal of the preseason.