Dmitry Orlov scored on a coast-to-coast rush with just 21 seconds left in overtime, securing a 2-1 victory for the Washington Capitals over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. The win marked the Capitals’ seventh consecutive triumph over the Devils this season.
Vitek Vanecek was stellar in net for Washington, making 22 saves, including three crucial stops in the extra period. His efforts were highlighted by a save on a close-range redirection attempt by Travis Zajac just moments before Orlov raced down the ice and fired a shot past Mackenzie Blackwood.
“I think the defenseman got a bit of a touch on it, but it’s all good,” Orlov said, initially appearing surprised that his shot found the back of the net. “It went in, and that’s all that matters.”
Blackwood, who made 38 saves in the game, noted that Orlov’s shot seemed aimed at his glove side but went high on his blocker side. “It’s a tough, tough deflection,” he commented.
John Carlson continued his scoring streak for the Capitals, netting his third goal in two days, as Washington bounced back from a lopsided loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday. The win propelled the Capitals back into first place in the East Division, two points ahead of the Islanders and Penguins with 19 games remaining in the regular season.
Michael McLeod scored for New Jersey, and Blackwood made a critical save on a breakaway by Conor Sheary in the opening moments of overtime. Vanecek also matched that performance by stopping Jack Hughes on a breakaway in the extra frame.
“Those are huge saves that often go unnoticed but are crucial to our success,” said Washington defenseman Nick Jensen. “Vitek’s like the Secret Service back there—he doesn’t get much attention when we score, but he’s a big reason we win these overtime games.”
The Capitals, determined to tighten up defensively after conceding eight goals to the Islanders the previous night, limited the Devils to just 13 shots in the first two periods, resulting in a 1-1 tie heading into the third.
“I thought it was a really solid game,” said Capitals coach Peter Laviolette. “We might have had more energy in other games, but considering we were on a back-to-back and facing a young, fast team, I think we played a smart game.”
Carlson opened the scoring for Washington at 8:22 of the second period, netting his 10th goal of the season. While T.J. Oshie didn’t register an assist, his presence in front of the net might have distracted Blackwood and contributed to the goal.
Despite being outplayed in the second period, the Devils managed to equalize at 12:53 when McLeod capitalized on a rebound left by Vanecek after a shot from Jesper Boqvist. It was McLeod’s third goal in six games.
Gusev on the Move?
After just one full season, the Devils appear to be moving on from forward Nikita Gusev. Gusev, a KHL veteran, posted 13 goals and 31 assists in 66 games during the COVID-19 shortened season, but has struggled this year with just two goals and three assists in 20 games. Frequently a healthy scratch under new coach Lindy Ruff, Gusev cleared waivers on Friday and was assigned to the team’s taxi squad. His $4 million-plus cap hit might have deterred teams from claiming him. The NHL trade deadline is April 12.
Around the Rink
Capitals forward Jakub Vrana was a healthy scratch despite having four goals in six games against New Jersey this season. He hasn’t scored in 11 games. … Devils forward Pavel Zacha played in his 300th NHL game.
Up Next
- The Devils will host the Capitals again on Sunday afternoon, concluding their eight-game season series. New Jersey has managed just two points against Washington this year, going 0-5-2.
“They’re one of those top-tier teams,” Blackwood said. “They’re finding ways to win different games against different teams. You have to give them credit for that.”
