New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals — Recap

📰Game Recap

The Washington Capitals secured a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, largely propelled by a decisive three-goal second period. Washington's win aligned with SportsFBI's pregame model, which leaned toward the Capitals at 58%. Both teams now hold identical 4-3-0 records following the contest.

The game opened with New Jersey's Arseny Gritsyuk scoring at 10:04 of the first period, assisted by Dawson Mercer and Stefan Noesen. Washington responded late in the period when Ryan Leonard tied the score at 16:42, with Jakob Chychrun and Logan Thompson assisting. The Capitals then exploded in the second period. Ilya Protas put Washington ahead just 1:16 into the period, assisted by Alex Ovechkin and Vincent Desharnais. Dylan Strome extended the lead to 3-1 at 4:36, with Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou getting the assists. Boone Jenner capped the three-goal surge at 11:14, making it 4-1, with Vincent Desharnais and Martin Fehérváry assisting. Desharnais finished with two assists for Washington.

New Jersey, outshooting Washington 31-25 overall, could not convert their shot advantage into a comeback. Devils goaltender Jake Allen made 21 saves on 25 shots, while Washington's Logan Thompson secured the win with 29 saves on 31 shots. Timo Meier narrowed the gap for the Devils with 19 seconds remaining in the third period, assisted by Arseny Gritsyuk and Jesper Boqvist, but it was too late to alter the outcome. Gritsyuk finished with a goal and an assist for New Jersey, and Boone Jenner added a goal for Washington.