Recap: Red Wings drop New Year's Eve game to Capitals, 3-1

DETROIT --The Detroit Red Wings dropped a 3-1 decision versus the visiting Washington Capitals in the annual New Year's Eve game at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
Pius Suter scored the lone goal for the Red Wings in their first game in 13 days. With the loss, the Red Wings dropped to 15-14-3 overall, while the Capitals moved to 20-6-7 on the season.

NEXT UP:The Red Wings will kick off the 2022 portion of their schedule on Sunday with a 1 p.m. puck drop against the Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena. Bally Sports Detroit Plus and the Red Wings Radio Network will have broadcast coverage.

SCORING SUMMARY

Detroit 1, Washington 0 (1:43, 2nd period)
After a scoreless first period, a backhand pass from behind the net by Sam Gagner found Suter, who fired a shot past Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov just seconds after Detroit's power play expired to give Detroit an early 1-0 advantage. It was Suter's first goal since Nov. 27. Vladislav Namestnikov was also credited with an assist.

Detroit 1, Washington 1 (15:53, 2nd Period)
Evgeny Kuznetsov evened the score with his 11th goal of the season and the 450th point of his NHL career.
Detroit 1, Washington 2 (17:09, 3rd Period)
Alex Ovechkin tallied the eventual game-winner, sneaking the puck past Red Wings goalie Thomas Greiss.
Detroit 1, Washington 3 (19:19, 3rd Period)
Ovechkin scored his second goal in just over two minutes of game time to put the game out of reach.