The Washington Capitals continued their dominance over the New Jersey Devils, a trend that carried over from last season when they swept all eight games. The Capitals showcased their strength again on Thursday night, defeating the Devils 4-1.
Daniel Sprong was instrumental in the victory, contributing a goal and an assist. He set up the Capitals’ first goal and scored on a breakaway in the second period, helping Washington to remain undefeated in regulation this season.
“We’ve had strong goaltending, solid defense, and have been productive offensively,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “Starting the season 3-0-1 is great, but we’re just focusing on getting wins and moving forward.”
Anthony Mantha, Dmitry Orlov, and Evgeny Kuznetsov also found the net for the Capitals, handing the Devils (2-1) their first loss of the season. Alex Ovechkin, despite having his three-game goal streak snapped, added two assists.
Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves for Washington, losing his shutout bid late in the game when Janne Kuokkanen scored a power-play goal with 6:42 remaining.
Scott Wedgewood, starting in place of the injured Jonathan Bernier and Mackenzie Blackwood, made 23 saves in his first appearance of the season.
The Capitals took control early, scoring twice within the first 10 minutes. Sprong was key to the opening goal at 4:14, persistently retrieving the puck and setting up Mantha for his second goal of the season.
Sprong emphasized the importance of playing with an early lead, stating, “We’ve got a strong team with depth, and when we’re playing well together, we like our chances.”
Orlov extended the lead with a backhanded goal after a rebound from an Ovechkin shot. Sprong then added to the tally midway through the second period, capitalizing on a turnover by Dougie Hamilton and scoring on a breakaway to make it 3-0.
Kuznetsov, who had scored twice in the previous game against Colorado, netted his third goal of the season following a Devils turnover. Kuokkanen managed to put New Jersey on the board with a goal from the right circle.
Devils coach Lindy Ruff expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, stating, “We didn’t compete hard enough and lost too many battles. When only half the team plays well, you won’t win.”
NO JACK
The Devils placed center Jack Hughes on injured reserve earlier in the day. The 2019 first-overall pick dislocated his left shoulder in Tuesday’s game against Seattle. The team did not provide a timeline for his return, but surgery is not planned.
Game Notes
This was Washington’s only visit to the Prudential Center this season. The teams will meet twice more in Washington. Last season, they played eight times in a 56-game schedule. Vanecek has started three games this season and has yet to allow a goal in the first two periods, making 43 saves in that span. “The guys are playing really well in front of me, and I’m just focused on the game,” Vanecek said.
UP NEXT:
- Capitals: Host the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.
- Devils: Continue their homestand against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.
