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.

The Washington Capitals are taking things on the road this coming week, as they'll continue their training camp in Columbus. To kick off the busy next few days, Washington will pay a visit to the Blue Jackets in another key preseason showdown.

Adam Fantilli's hat trick, Mathieu Olivier's two goals made the Blue Jackets' weather delays worth their extended wait time getting to Washington.

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

Mateychuk is making Blue Jackets' decision tough, Johnson's killing penalties, Gudbranson has 'minor' injury and Merzlikins' new mask includes 13.