Kuznetov's goal in OT lifts Caps over Columbus

COLUMBUS — It might have been extra hockey, but it sure didn't last long.

Evgeny Kuznetsov scored just 26 seconds into overtime to send the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday.

Kuznetsov's game-winner came of a wrist shot from the right face-off circle after a drop pass from Marcus Johansson.

Trevor van Riemsdyk scored twice, and Charlie Lindgren stopped 31 shots for the Capitals (27-20-6), who ended a three-game road losing streak. Garnet Hathaway got Washington on the board first at 5:06 of the first period, tipping in a shot by Lars Eller.

Van Riemsdyk made it 2-0 in favor of Washington at 14:28 with a shot through traffic from above the right circle to score his first goal in 20 games.

Andrew Peeke got Columbus the board just 12 seconds later, with a wrist shot from near the blue line at 14:40 to cut it to 2-1.

Van Riemsdyk scored his second goal of the night at 8:26 of the second period for a 3-1 lead. Kuznetsov circled the zone with the puck before delivering a behind-the-back pass to van Riemsdyk for the one-timer. Eric Robinson got Columbus within one at 11:03 to end an 18-game goal drought. He converted a pass on the rush from Mathieu Olivier.

Johnny Gaudreau tied it 3-3 for Columbus at 12:44 of the third period, scoring his 14th goal with a wrister after a long outlet pass by Gavin Bayreuther.

Joonas Korpisalo made 30 saves for the Blue Jackets (15-32-4), who have lost three straight. Columbus will have time off for the All-Star break until Feb. 10 when they face the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Blue Jackets finished the month of January 4-10-2 and are currently tied for last in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks.