Game information/links
Game preview
Fresh off Cole Hutson’s exciting NHL debut, the Washington Capitals (34-7-8, 76 points) are back for their third game of a four-game homestand, facing off against the New Jersey Devils (35-31-2, 72 points) at Capital One Arena.
The Devils enter the game on a three-game winning streak and victors of seven of their last 10, creeping back into the morass of Eastern Conference teams sitting outside a playoff spot. The Devils have been hot since Jack Hughes returned from Italy after scoring the Gold Medal Goal for Team USA over Canada. The Devils’ star forward has recorded consecutive three-point nights coming into Friday’s game and has posted 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in his 11 games since the Olympics.
The Capitals, who may need to win out to have a shot at making the postseason, are now seven points behind third-place Columbus in the Metropolitan Division — they leapfrogged over the New York Islanders last night in the standings — and eight points behind the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings for the first and second wild card spots in the East.
The Capitals will roll with the same group that helped push the team to a 4-1 win on Wednesday over the Ottawa Senators. During the morning skate, Spencer Carbery revealed that there would be no lineup changes for the Capitals, but the lines will move around some. Logan Thompson will get the start. Ivan Miroshnichenko will be healthy-scratched for a seventh-straight game since being called up from the Hershey Bears.
Puck drop for tonight’s game is at 7 pm. The game is airing on Monumental Sports Network.
Lines
Washington Capitals
New Jersey Devils
Goalie matchup
Tunnel shenanigans
1st period
Puck is dropped!
Five minutes in, eagerly awaiting WSH’s first shot on goal.
If you had Connor McMichael on your “first SOG by” bingo square, mark it off.
Jack Hughes’ scoring chance was sabotaged by Cole Hutson.
Leonard settles the puck and scores.
1-o Washington Capitals
R.LEONARD(15) 22 B.DUHAIME(4) 57 T.VAN RIEMSDYK(9)
Logan Thompson has the answer for Jack Hughes with a flashy glove save.
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