The 0-2 Washington Capitals are back in action for a second consecutive night where they’ll face the fellow winless New Jersey Devils (0-2). Tonight, something must give.
Alex Ovechkin will play in his first preseason game of the year along with his new linemates, Dylan Strome and Andrew Mangiapane. The Capitals’ reconfigured fourth line will make its debut along with the team’s new top defensive pairing, Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson.
Jakub Vrana, who is trying to make the team out of Training Camp, needs to have a big night, per Spencer Carbery, to distinguish himself in the battle for one of the Capitals’ final forward spots on the Opening Night roster.
“We’re going to need him to do something significant,” Carbery said after the group’s morning skate.
Caps-Devils will begin shortly after 7 pm and can be watched on Monumental Sports Network. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have the call.
Capitals starting lineup
1st period
Puck is dropped.
For all the hubbub about Alex Ovechkin being hobbled, he looked great in his opening shift.
Logan Thompson with two huge saves to open the game. He’s expected to play all 60 minutes tonight.
1-0 New Jersey Devils. NJD Goal: Brendan Dillon (1). Assists: O. Palat (1), S. Noesen (1). Time: 14:37
A big clapper from Dillon appears to hit traffic in front and eludes Thompson. The goal appeared to be offside as when Dillon shot the puck, the biscuit went over the blue line. The Capitals opted not to challenge.
At intermission: The Capitals and Devils are tied 8 shots apiece. The Capitals hold a small edge in 5v5 shot attempts 19 to 18.
2nd period
Puck is dropped.
1-1 tie. WSH Goal: John Carlson (1). Assists: A. Limoges (1), J. Vrana (1). Time: 14:28.
Carlson scores after a nice give-and-go passing play with Alex Limoges.
2-1 Washington Capitals. WSH Goal: Dylan Strome (1). Assists: T. van Riemsdyk (1), A. Alexeyev (1). Time: 18:33.
TVR finds Dylan Strome wide open at the Devils blue line and the centerman scores easily on a breakaway.
3-1 Washington Capitals. WSH Goal: Brandon Duhaime (1). Assists: N. Dowd (1). Time: 19:00.
Taylor Raddysh wins a board battle. Nic Dowd then finds Duhaime wide open in front of the net for an easy tip-in. That’s three goals in four minutes and 32 seconds.
A Logan Thompson gear update.
At intermission: The Capitals are dominating. They’re outshooting the Devils 23 to 13 and out-attempting them at 5v5, 52 to 41.
3rd period
Puck is dropped.
Some big saves from Logan Thompson as the Devils pour pressure on to tie.
4-1 Washington Capitals. WSH Goal: Dylan Strome (2). Assists: J. Carlson (1), A. Ovechkin (1). Time: 13:47.
Carlson with the tip-in. Alex Ovechkin registers his first point of the preseason on the tally.
4-2 Washington Capitals. NJD Goal: Nico Hischier (1). Assists: S. Casey (1), T. Meier (1). Time: 15:00.
Devils pull their goalie with a little over four minutes left.
4-3 Washington Capitals. NJD Goal: Jack Hughes (1). Assists: B. Dillon (1). Time: 17:03.
Thomspon was screened by six different players. Hughes scores with the seeing-eye wrister.
5-3 Washington Capitals. WSH ENG: Brandon Duhaime (2). Assists: N. Dowd (2), T. Raddysh (1). Time: 19:20.
Capitals win 5-3. The Devils outshot the Capitals 28 to 27, but were out-attempted by Washington at 5v5, 61 to 54.
