Washington Capitals Fall 5-2 to New Jersey Devils as Third-Period Collapse Ends Two-Game Winning Streak
By Brian Hradsky
MARYLAND SPORTS BLOG | NHL GAME RECAP | NOVEMBER 13, 2026
The Washington Capitals fell 5-2 to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night at Prudential Center, surrendering three unanswered third-period goals after entering the final 20 minutes tied at two. Washington briefly held a 2-1 advantage in the second period but could not overcome New Jersey’s depth and timely scoring. The defeat snapped the Capitals’ two-game winning streak and dropped their record to 10-7-0. New Jersey improved to 14-6-0 while extending its home winning streak to seven games.
Capitals Respond After Early Devils Power-Play Goal
New Jersey wasted little time establishing offensive pressure, opening the scoring just 2:20 into the first period. Evan Rodrigues capitalized on a power-play opportunity after Timo Meier delivered a pass across the offensive zone, allowing Rodrigues to beat Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson from the right faceoff circle. The early goal gave the Devils momentum and forced Washington to respond against a team that entered the matchup playing some of its best hockey of the season. New Jersey initially controlled the shot totals before Washington began generating opportunities of its own.
The Capitals answered at 14:10 when Ryan Leonard scored a power-play goal to even the game at one. Cole Hutson kept the puck inside the offensive zone and threaded a pass through the New Jersey defense, finding Leonard moving toward the slot. Leonard finished with a backhand shot past Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, giving Washington an important response after its early deficit. The teams entered the first intermission tied 1-1, with New Jersey holding a narrow 13-12 advantage in shots.
Pierre-Luc Dubois Gives Washington the Lead
Washington carried its late first-period momentum into the second period and took its first lead just 2:11 after intermission. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored from the right faceoff circle, sending a low shot past Hellebuyck to put the Capitals ahead 2-1. Alexei Protas and Jack St. Ivany earned assists on the goal, which extended Dubois’ scoring streak to three games. For a stretch, Washington appeared positioned to build on its recent victories and secure an important road win against a Metropolitan Division opponent.
However, New Jersey answered at 9:51 of the second period when Lenni Hameenaho redirected a Brenden Dillon shot past Thompson. Hameenaho, making his season debut after a recall from the Utica Comets, provided the Devils with an immediate offensive contribution. The goal tied the contest 2-2 and erased Washington’s advantage before the second intermission. Despite holding a 20-19 edge in shots after 40 minutes, the Capitals could not regain the lead.
Third-Period Breakdown Costs Capitals
The decisive moment arrived at 6:27 of the third period when Vladislav Kolyachonok scored his first career NHL goal to give New Jersey a 3-2 lead. The defenseman, also making his season debut, sent a wrist shot from the right point through traffic that slipped past Thompson. Stefan Noesen helped create the screen in front, making the puck difficult for Washington’s goaltender to track. The goal changed the direction of a closely contested game and forced the Capitals into another comeback situation.
Washington continued searching for the equalizer but struggled to break through Hellebuyck and New Jersey’s defense. With 2:53 remaining, Noesen scored on a breakaway, extending the Devils’ advantage to 4-2 and effectively putting the contest out of reach. Jack Hughes completed the scoring with an empty-net goal at 19:15, giving New Jersey three third-period goals. The Capitals finished the final period without scoring, turning a competitive road performance into a three-goal defeat.
Game Statistics
| Category | Capitals | Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 2 | 5 |
| First period | 1 | 1 |
| Second period | 1 | 1 |
| Third period | 0 | 3 |
| Shots on goal | 28 | 29 |
| Power-play goals | 1 | 1 |
| Faceoff wins | 32 | 28 |
| Goaltender saves | 24 | 26 |
Goaltending: Thompson Outplayed in Final Period
Logan Thompson finished with 24 saves on 28 shots, recording an .857 save percentage before New Jersey added its empty-net goal. Although Washington remained competitive through two periods, the go-ahead goal early in the third proved particularly costly. Thompson faced a New Jersey offense that generated traffic in front of the net and capitalized on its opportunities late in the game. The Capitals will need stronger defensive support and more consistent execution around their goaltender in the rematch.
Connor Hellebuyck delivered another strong performance for New Jersey, stopping 26 of Washington’s 28 shots for a .929 save percentage. The veteran goaltender remained undefeated through his first six starts with the Devils following his October trade from Winnipeg. His ability to prevent Washington from tying the game during the third period helped preserve New Jersey’s narrow advantage. Hellebuyck’s performance provided the stability the Devils needed while their offense eventually pulled away.
New Jersey’s Depth Makes the Difference
One of the most significant storylines was the production New Jersey received from players recently promoted from its American Hockey League affiliate. Hameenaho, Kolyachonok and Noesen all contributed goals despite having spent time with Utica earlier in the week. Their performances demonstrated how New Jersey could withstand injuries and lineup changes without sacrificing offensive production. Against Washington, that organizational depth ultimately made the difference.
The Devils also received important contributions from established players, including Rodrigues, who recorded a goal and an assist, and Arseny Gritsyuk, who collected two assists. New Jersey has now won six of its last seven games and remains among the strongest teams in the Metropolitan Division. The combination of reliable goaltending, scoring depth and third-period execution makes the Devils a difficult opponent. Washington experienced those strengths firsthand during Thursday’s defeat.
MSB Take: Washington Cannot Afford to Waste Competitive Games
The most frustrating aspect of Thursday’s loss was that Washington played well enough through 40 minutes to give itself a legitimate opportunity to win. The Capitals responded to an early deficit, generated a power-play goal and took the lead in the second period before entering the third tied. Their 28 shots and 32 faceoff wins demonstrated that New Jersey did not completely control the contest. However, Washington failed to convert its opportunities into a winning performance when the game reached its most important moments.
The Capitals must improve their third-period execution, particularly against Metropolitan Division opponents competing for playoff positioning. Allowing a relatively harmless-looking point shot to become the game-winning goal illustrates the importance of traffic management, defensive awareness and protecting the area around the crease. Washington also needs more consistent offensive contributions beyond its two goal scorers, especially when facing an elite goaltender such as Hellebuyck. The absence of a third-period goal prevented the Capitals from applying sustained scoreboard pressure after falling behind.
At 10-7-0, Washington remains in a position to compete, but games against divisional opponents carry considerable significance over an 82-game season. New Jersey has established itself as a serious early-season contender, and the Capitals cannot afford to surrender points in winnable matchups. Thursday’s performance contained encouraging stretches, particularly the response from Leonard and Dubois, but those positives will mean little without improved late-game execution. The upcoming rematch offers Washington an immediate opportunity to respond.
What’s Next for the Capitals?
Washington and New Jersey will meet again Saturday, November 14, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., with puck drop scheduled for approximately 7 p.m. Eastern. The home-and-home format gives the Capitals an immediate opportunity to adjust their defensive approach and avenge Thursday’s defeat. Washington will need to limit New Jersey’s scoring depth while generating more dangerous opportunities against Hellebuyck. A victory would help the Capitals regain momentum and prevent the Devils from completing a two-game sweep.
