Devils at Capitals
THE STORY: The Washington Capitals only managed 20 shots Friday, but Jason Chimera’s shorthanded goal in the third period proved to be the winner in the opener of a back-to-back series against the New Jersey Devils. The Capitals head home for Saturday night's contest, trying to even their record since beginning the season with a franchise-best 7-0-0 start. Washington had won just two of six before Tomas Vokoun made 32 saves to break out of a mini-funk. Vokoun had allowed four goals each in his previous two games. The Devils had their three-game winning streak snapped, despite registering 33 shots – 16 in the third period. Washington has won five of the last six against the Devils.
TV: 7 p.m. ET; NHL Network, MSG-Plus (New Jersey), CSN (Washington).
ABOUT THE DEVILS (7-6-1): High-scoring wing Ilya Kovalchuk could be back soon, but he is expected to miss his fourth straight game on Saturday with a lower-body injury. The Devils have seven goals in three games without Kovalchuk. Patrik Elias extended his point streak to six games and the veteran forward has scored in 12 of 13 since the season opener. He leads the team with 14 points. The power play is a major concern as the Devils are 0-for-14 in the last four games and stand 29th in the league at 11.1 percent.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (10-4-0): Nicklas Backstrom has put himself among the league leaders in points with three goals and seven assists during a six-game point streak. His linemate Alex Ovechkin hit the back of the net Friday and has seven points in his last six games. Defenseman Mike Green played his first game in almost three weeks, but did not finish. He is listed as day-to-day. Forward Alexander Semin was benched in the third period. Semin has one goal in nine games and nine minor penalties.
OVERTIME:
1. Devils defenseman Adam Larsson scored his first NHL goal Friday. He celebrates his 19th birthday on Saturday.
2. Washington is second in the league in scoring (3.71).
3. New Jersey has killed all 19 power plays the last six games and is ranked second in the league (92.3).