Capitals get crushed by Devils

The Washington Capitals got crushed by the first place, Metropolitan Division leading New Jersey Devils as Vitek Vanecek got revenge on his former team. The Caps got their shots up but Vanecek stopped all but one as the Caps fell 5-1.

Nico Hischier put the Devils up 1-0 at 9:04 in the first period with a power play goal. 1-0 was the score after one as the Caps outshot the Devils 10-7.

In the second period shots were even at 13 apiece with the difference being the Devils making all their shots. Both goals were scored by Jack Hughes at 5:59 and 9:19, respectively.

Hughes completed the hat trick at 9:51 in the third period. John Carlson finally got the Caps on the board at 11:38 on the power play with assists coming from Dylan Strome and Marcus Johansson.

Fabian Zetterlund made it 5-1 at 14:47 to put a cap on this game. The Caps outshot the Devils 15-9 in the third period and 38-29 overall with Vanecek making 37 saves. Caps backup goalie Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves.

Capitals Head Coach Peter Laviolette said this after the game: 

"“I thought we had some chances in tight where we didn’t execute, puck maybe bounced or jumped on us at the last second. [Vanecek] made some saves. Our guys kept hunting the entire game and kept pushing.”"

Vanecek was lights out and got his revenge on his former team. He said this to the media afterwards:

"“I was a little bit nervous before the game. It was something special to play versus Caps for the first time, honestly. I know they are a really good team, but I try everything that I can to help the team and win the game.”"

The Caps will take on the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. eastern.  That will be the second game of a season long six game road trip.