Center Nic Dowd scored the opener early in the first period. The Capitals surrendered a goal to Columbus defenseman Denton Mateychuk just 23 seconds later, but after winger Tom Wilson scored 48 seconds into the second period to put Washington back in the lead, the visitors remained in control.

Pierre-Luc Dubois will make his return to the lineup, along with the likes of Tom Wilson and Hendrix Lapierre. Meanwhile, fringe forwards Jakub Vrana and Ivan Miroshnichenko will get another look as they look to secure roster spots.

The Capitals, playing their fourth preseason game in six days, suffer a handful of defensive breakdowns and lose to the Blue Jackets, 8-4.