Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin once again showcased their chemistry for the Washington Capitals, leading them to a commanding victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Backstrom recorded two goals and two assists, while Ovechkin added his 22nd goal of the season and an assist, powering the Capitals to a 6-3 win over the Devils on Friday night.
John Carlson also contributed with a goal and an assist as Washington bounced back from a 3-0 loss to Columbus earlier in the week. The Capitals improved their road record to an impressive 16-3-1. Jonas Siegenthaler and Richard Panik also found the net and rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov made 24 saves.
“We’re never satisfied with losing games,” Backstrom said. “Bouncing back quickly and getting points is always important because that matters before the playoffs. We’ve been consistent with that all season, and hopefully, we can keep it going.”
The Capitals lead the NHL with a 26-6-5 record and remain the only team in the league not to have lost consecutive games in regulation this season.
Backstrom reached a milestone of 900 career points in his 900th game with Washington alongside Ovechkin. The Capitals drafted Backstrom in the first round of the 2006 draft, joining Ovechkin, who was the first overall pick two years earlier.
“It’s been fun being part of this organization for so long and playing with a great player like Alex,” Backstrom said.
Kyle Palmieri, Blake Coleman, and Miles Wood scored for the Devils, who were denied their first three-game winning streak of the season. Mackenzie Blackwood made 21 saves before being replaced by Gilles Senn in the third period.
Palmieri acknowledged the challenge of facing Ovechkin and Backstrom.
“They’re world-class players for a reason. It’s tough to defend them,” Palmieri said. “You could ask any team, and they’d say the same thing. You just try to limit their chances, but they had a good night tonight.”
Palmieri gave the Devils an early lead with a power-play goal just 4:00 into the game. However, Ovechkin and Backstrom responded quickly, scoring 1:10 apart late in the first period to put Washington ahead.
Coleman tied the game early in the second period with a controversial goal. Samsonov appeared to stop his initial attempt, but Coleman was knocked down and collided with the goaltender, causing the puck to cross the line.
Backstrom restored Washington’s lead with a goal during a 4-on-4 play in the second period’s final minute. After receiving a pass from Ovechkin, Backstrom tapped in the puck to make it 3-2.
“It’s been special to watch those two, especially Nick, who’s really underrated,” Carlson said. “He’s done so much for this franchise, and his game is still among the best in the league.”
Game Notes:
- The Devils have fewer overall wins (11) than Washington has on the road.
- Capitals forward Carl Hagelin was awarded a penalty shot shortly after Palmieri’s goal but missed the net.
- This was the first of four meetings between the teams this season.
- Devils captain Andy Greene played in his 900th career game.
UP NEXT:
- Capitals: Host Tampa Bay on Saturday night.
- Devils: Visit Columbus on Saturday night.
