Following a disappointing end to their 2023-2024 campaign, the Washington Capitals looked to hit the ground running, but fell to the New Jersey Devils by a two-goal differential in their home opener Oct. 12.
After battling through significant challengers and coming up short in the first round of playoffs last season, the Capitals (1-1-0) turned over a significant portion of their roster during the offseason. The team prioritized bolstering both the scoring attack and the blue line defense.
Washington’s additions included center Pierre-Luc Dubois, left winger Andrew Mangiapane and defender Jakob Chychrun in trades with the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators, respectively. Additionally, the Caps signed reliable defenseman Matt Roy, another former King, to a generous, 6-year, $34.5 million contract. Notable departures included goaltender Darcy Kuemper, defenseman Nick Jensen and left winger Max Pacioretty.
These new additions, alongside the legendary Alexander Ovechkin — now in the twilight of his career but still chasing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record — offered hope to a sold-out crowd at Capital One Arena. Capitals fans streamed in to witness the team open its 50th anniversary season against division rival New Jersey Devils (4-2-0).
The Capitals started strong, winning the opening face-off and taking three shots in the first minute of play. The Devils, however, quickly adapted to the new-look Capitals. The two teams appeared evenly matched, trading shots, saves and face-offs as the first period progressed.
Halfway through the first period, Devils winger Timo Meier drew a cross-checking penalty against Capitals winger Brandon Duhaime. Taking full advantage of their first five-on-four power play opportunity, the Capitals took the puck down the ice and scored.
Slapping the puck past New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom, Washington defenseman John Carlson put the Caps up 1-0, with assists from Dubois and center Dylan Strome.
Undaunted, the Devils quickly responded, tying the game at one a piece thanks to a wrist shot from defenseman Seamus Casey.
As the clock drew down in the first, the wheels appeared to come off for the Capitals. Devils center Paul Cotter found the back of the net to put New Jersey up 2-1 with about four minutes left in the first.
Though Washington would hold off New Jersey’s offense in the final minutes of the first period, they struggled to respond, sending several shots wide and yielding numerous giveaways.
The Caps returned from the first intermission with a newfound resolve. Strome poked the puck into the net within 30 seconds with help from Carlson and Ovechkin.
Yet, the game was tied at two only briefly. Four minutes into the period, New Jersey winger Tomas Tatar put the Devils on top with a snap-shot goal.
Despite several opportune moments, the Caps’ offense simply couldn’t return the favor. Washington struggled not only in finding the back of the net but also in holding off the Devils’ potent scoring attack.
After about ten minutes of stalemate, Cotter scored his second goal of the night, putting New Jersey up 4-2 with six minutes remaining in the second period.
Later in the second, Cotter was sent to the penalty box on a slashing call, but Washington couldn’t capitalize on the power play.
Entering the third period, all hope was not lost for the Capitals. With 20 minutes of hockey still to play, the Caps had more than enough time to overcome the deficit and within two minutes, Washington’s veteran winger Tom Wilson scored to help close the gap.
Despite Wilson’s early heroics, New Jersey’s defense held firm. Several Washington power plays came and went without a goal and the score remained 4-3 in favor of the visitors as time wound down in the third.
In the final two minutes of play, the Caps took several shots on goal, but all of them came up short. With eight seconds remaining, New Jersey regained possession of the puck. Devils center Dawson Mercer scored on an empty net to put the game away.
Despite the 5-3 loss, Carlson was awarded one of the three stars of the game for his one-goal, one-assist performance.
Notably, Ovechkin, despite recording an assist, was held shotless for just the 23rd time in his legendary twenty-year career.
New addition Matt Roy left the game early in the second with an injury and never returned.
Looking ahead, the Washington Capitals will attempt to right the ship as they continue their homestand this week. They beat the Las Vegas Golden Knights (3-0-0) 4-2 on Oct. 15 and will play the Dallas Stars (4-0-0) Oct. 17. On Oct. 19, the Capitals will travel to New Jersey to face off against the Devils once again.