Washington Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Devils

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Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Capitals return home after a successful road trip rocking the Screaming Eagle jerseys for Turnback Tuesday Reverse Retro night. Tonight they host the New Jersey Devils, a team they’ve had success against so far this season.

The Caps are coming off a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers to end the road trip 4-1-0. Alex Ovechkin scored to tie the game which ignited a three unanswered goal comeback. Dmitry Orlov doubled the lead and Nick Jensen scored his first goal as a Capital for icing on the cake.

Who are the top 3 key players to watch in tonight’s game? Read on to find out.

Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 Vitek Vanecek

The Caps held a morning skate and Vitek Vanecek was in the starter’s net. Peter Laviolette confirmed after the skate that he will get the start tonight against the Devils. The kid is a stud.

Vanecek holds a record of 10-5-3 which is the most wins by a rookie goaltender this season after he was thrown the starter’s responsibilities when Ilya Samsonov tested positive for COVID-19. This has the potential to mark the second consecutive season the Caps have had a rookie goaltender finish in the top two in wins after Samsonov finished with 16 last season.

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