Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Beck Malenstyn scored just 15 seconds apart in the first period, and Evgeny Kuznetsov added two goals to lead the Washington Capitals to a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night.
Capitals’ Strong Start
Tom Wilson provided two assists, and Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves as the Capitals secured their fifth win in seven games (5-1-1).
“It was a gritty one tonight,” Lindgren said. “You’ve got to credit New Jersey because that’s a great, fast, skilled team. We knew they weren’t going to go away easily. They certainly didn’t. So this one feels really good.”
Devils’ Struggles
Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer scored for New Jersey, now losing three of its last four games. Vitek Vanecek allowed two goals on five shots before being replaced by Akira Schmid midway through the first period. Schmid finished with 18 saves.
“We have to get back to work. That will translate into wins,” Schmid stated.
Key Moments
Aube-Kubel recalled from AHL Hershey earlier on Friday, opened the scoring for Washington at 10:22 of the first period. Malenstyn quickly followed with a goal from the right circle at 10:37, assisted by Martin Fehervary, who later left the game with a lower-body injury.
Kuznetsov extended the lead to 3-0 at 6:34 of the second period with an assist from Alex Ovechkin, bringing him within six points of 1,500 in his career.
“I thought we were ready from that first shift,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “Kuznetsov’s line, Ovi, and Willie set the tone right away, and then Aube-Kubel and Malenstyn brought a lot of energy. Our puck touches were really sharp.”
Devils’ Power Play Struggles
New Jersey failed to capitalize on four power-play opportunities.
“I thought our penalty kill did a really good job. Credit the guys,” Lindgren said. “Our defensemen and forwards did a great job, and it was just a big win tonight.”
Meier ended Lindgren’s shutout bid with his fourth goal at 7:13 of the third period. Mercer added his second goal at 9:12 to bring the Devils within one.
“They won more battles early in the game. We were chasing the game,” Meier noted. “You’ve got to play a full 60 minutes. We didn’t do that.”
Kuznetsov sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 1:51 remaining.
Injury Impact
The Devils were without leading scorer Jack Hughes for the third consecutive game due to a right shoulder injury suffered on Nov. 3. Hughes, who has 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 10 games, is listed as week-to-week.
New Jersey also missed captain Nico Hischier, who sat out his sixth straight game following a high hit from Buffalo’s Connor Clifton on Oct. 27. Clifton received a two-game suspension for the illegal check.
“We have to find ways to be creative without Nico and Jack,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “We miss them. Our game can’t be the same without those guys. We have to keep grinding.”
Upcoming Games
- Capitals: Visit the New York Islanders on Saturday night.
- Devils: Travel to Winnipeg on Tuesday night.
