Washington scored three times in a wide-open opening period, while New Jersey kept pace on a power-play strike.
Washington takes a 3-2 lead into the break after a five-goal first, with shots tied 14-14 and hits level at 9-9. Anthony Beauvillier, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Ryan Leonard each scored for the Capitals; Cole Hutson had two assists, while Dylan Strome, Boone Jenner and Jakob Chychrun each added one. Connor Brown scored New Jersey’s power-play goal, finishing with one goal, one power-play goal and two shots; Lenni Hameenaho scored on his lone shot, and Luke Hughes had an assist and two shots. Devils goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 11 of 14 shots for a 78.6% save rate, while Washington’s Charlie Lindgren made 12 saves on 14 shots for 85.7%.
Key Performers
Cole Hutson, Capitals: 2 assists, +1, 1 blocked shot Connor Brown, Devils: 1 goal, 1 power-play goal, 2 shots, -1 Pierre-Luc Dubois, Capitals: 1 goal, 2 shots, +1, 1 hit