WASHINGTON --The Detroit Red Wings fell, 4-2, to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena.
Tyler Bertuzzi and Michael Rasmussen each had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings, who entered the third period tied, 2-2, against the Capitals. Washington broke the tie with less than three minutes remaining, then added an empty-netter to seal the win. After the game, both clubs participated in a practice shootout. Goalie Ville Husso played the whole game and made 31 saves for Detroit, which dropped its 2022-23 preseason record to 2-4-0. NEXT UP: The Red Wings will begin a home-and-home preseason series on Friday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
SCORING SUMMARY
Detroit 1, Washington 0 (8:09, 1st period) After Washington's Dylan Strome and John Carlson both landed in the penalty box, Filip Zadina's pass from the right faceoff circle found Rasmussen, whose shot was blocked by Capitals netminder Darcy Kuemper. Bertuzzi gathered the loose puck and put it past Kuemper for his first goal of the preseason.
Washington 1, Detroit 1 (19:37, 1st period) Connor McMichael scored in front of Detroit's crease after Alex Ovechkin's initial shot was blocked. Detroit 2, Washington 1 (7:42, 2nd period) Rasmussen, assisted by Bertuzzi, ripped a top-shelf shot from the slot to beat Kuemper for his first tally of the preseason.
Washington 2, Detroit 2 (13:45, 2nd period) Former Red Wings defenseman Nick Jensen evened the score when his wrist shot from the point beat Husso. Washington 3, Detroit 2 (17:33, 3rd Period) Connor Brown's late power-play goal, the eventual game-winner, gave the Capitals their first lead of the night. Washington 4, Detroit 2 (19:06, 3rd Period) Ovechkin's empty-netter capped the scoring.
QUOTABLE
Head coach Derek Lalonde on Husso playing a full 60 minutes "I think it's just rhythm and timing. It's not ideal that we don't play again (after this Saturday's game) until next Friday and Saturday. We don't want a goalie going 8-10 days without seeing reps. I think it's a volume thing, a full game. We expect Ned to get a full game coming up, too." Lalonde on using Wednesday's game as a learning experience "I liked a lot of the things we did. For the most part, we were on top and good in structure. I think a good experience for some of our younger, inexperienced guys who were playing a playoff, full NHL roster." Rasmussen on the club's overall performance "I thought we had a good game for the most part. We got away from managing the puck there towards the end, but kept it close. A tough penalty, but that's the way the game goes."
