New Jersey Devils lead the Washington Capitals 3-2 at the first intermission (Live updates)

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Game preview

The Washington Capitals are trying to make us believers again. Fresh off a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Caps’ playoff chances have miraculously re-entered the double digits as they ride a three-game winning streak.

Standing in the Capitals’ way tonight is the New Jersey Devils, whom the Caps dispatched 2-1 at home twelve days ago.

The game is another figurative Game 7 for Washington. The Capitals currently sit three points out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and four points out of the third spot, both of which would guarantee playoff spots. The three teams directly in front of them — Ottawa, Detroit, and Philadelphia — all hold a game in hand, though.

Spencer Carbery will ice the same lineup that played against Philadelphia, while Logan Thompson will get the start in net once again. Thompson has started the last nine Capitals games. For those who forget, this is what Charlie Lindgren looks like.

Puck drop for tonight’s matchup will be 7:30 pm. The game will be airing on ESPN+.

RMNB headlines

• Alex Ovechkin reportedly not interested in a farewell tour, liked how Wayne Gretzky announced retirement ahead of final regular-season game
• Alex Ovechkin hopes his hockey museum in Russia will open in 2027, says jersey swaps have nothing to do with him retiring
• Nicklas Backstrom unsure if he’ll continue hockey career after Brynäs eliminated from SHL playoffs: ‘It’s a tough question right now’
• John Carlson meets up with former Capitals teammate Dmitry Orlov after Ducks-Sharks game
• John Tortorella was calling Nic Dowd by the wrong name in his first game as Golden Knights head coach
• Brandon Duhaime changes goal song to Lilo & Stitch’s ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’
• Aliaksei Protas does not skate at optional Capitals practice, will not travel with team to play Devils
• No Capitals player had more points in March’s must-win games than Ryan Leonard: ‘He loves these games. That’s just his DNA as a person and as a player.’
• Cole Hutson benched during third period of Capitals’ win over Flyers: ‘You cannot hide as a defenseman’

Lines

Washington Capitals

New Jersey Devils

Goalie matchup

Tunnel shenanigans

1st Period

Puck is dropped. Lapierre-Dubois-Wilson and Chychrun-TVR get the start.

Big hit by Ovechkin on Bjugstad at the benches.

Another big hit – this time from Ivan Miroshnichenko.

Oh no, Dylan.

Nasty(!) tic-tac-toe passing play gives Cody Glass the first goal of the game. Wow.

Wide open in front, Mercer finds his own rebound and beats Thompson. Caps need to respond or the rout will be on.

Hendrix Lapierre pokes it forward to Cole Hutson who scores on the breakaway! Capitals are back in it. What great speed and intelligence by Hutson to join the play.

Capitals get their first power play of the game. Have the opportunity to tie now.

PLD pokes it home on the power play! The game’s tied. What an opening 10 minutes.

That’s four combined goals in 4:25.

Ivan Miroshnichenko heads the puck to himself lmao and then puts a shot on goal. That was UNREAL. Haha.

A Dougie Hamilton point shot beats a screened Logan Thompson. Caps were running around a bit with their man-to-man defense with Justin Sourdif and Anthony Beauvillier not really guarding anyone.

Cole Hutson with some great playmaking near the net, pulls Allen way out of the crease. Caps have a wide-open net but it appears Tom Wilson blocked the puck from going in.

At intermission: The Devils, who are playing some inspired hockey, lead 3-2. Shots on goal are 9-8 Caps. Fun game!

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