3 Takeaways From Devils’ 5-2 Win Over Capitals

On Thursday, Nov. 12, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Washington Capitals for the two teams’ second matchup in the 2026-27 season. The Capitals took the first game at Capital One Arena on Oct. 16 with a 4-2 win. The Devils were looking to even the season series up in their home arena.

The Devils struck first with a power-play goal just two minutes into the game. The Capitals evened the score with a power-play goal of their own before the end of the first period. Washington took the lead with an even strength goal two minutes into the middle frame, but the Devils tied it again halfway through the second period.

New Jersey took their first lead since the beginning of the game six minutes into the third period, and another goal later in the period gave them a two-goal buffer. It was the empty net goal that finally secured the 5-2 win for the Devils.

Rodrigues Strikes First

Just 41 seconds into the first period, Cole Hutson had a penalty called on him for holding Evan Rodrigues. While the Devils were still on the power play, Arseny Gritsyuk skated the puck through the neutral zone and into the Devils’ offensive zone, where he sent a pass to Timo Meier. He dropped the puck down for Rodrigues, who opened the scoring.

Rodrigues was acquired by the Devils during the 2026 offseason, when they sent Jacob Markstrom down to the Florida Panthers. In exchange, the Devils received Rodrigues, as well as Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves. Since becoming a part of this Devils team, Rodrigues has recorded nine points in 20 games.

He has been a solid member of the Devils’ third line, adding veteran presence and depth scoring to the bottom six. His prime role isn’t an offensive one, but he continues to excel at this level in every game.

Devils Call-Ups Did Some Heavy Lifting

While the Devils were down a goal, they made a push early on in the second period to try and even the score. Brenden Dillon ripped a shot, but it was Lenni Hameenaho in front of the net who tipped the puck in to even the score.

In the third period, both teams were looking for scoring chances to take back the lead. Off a faceoff in the third, Rodrigues sent the puck down to Vladislav Kolyachonok. He skated towards the blue line with the puck, where he took a shot and gave the Devils their lead back.

With three minutes left in the game, Connor Brown gained control of a loose puck in the Capitals’ zone and sent it through the neutral zone. Stefan Noesen picked it up, and with no one there to defend him, he skated it up to the net and took a shot, which helped increase the Devils’ lead.

All three players who received the call-up to the NHL level scored in this game. When Sheldon Keefe was asked about this in the postgame press conference, he called it a “Utica hat trick.” This was a great moment for all three players as they try to prove they deserve a spot on the NHL roster.

Devils Remain Undefeated with Hellebuyck in Net

Heading into this game, there was a lot of pressure on Connor Hellebuyck’s shoulders. He was slated to start in this game and the one in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. With his previous performances pulling out some much-needed wins for the Devils, they needed him to get right back into this winning shape.

Hellebuyck made 26 saves on 28 shots, allowing an even-strength goal and a power-play goal. He earned a save percentage (SV%) of .929, and his goals-against average (GAA) for the season so far is 1.97. This is also his sixth straight win with the Devils.

Since Hellebuyck joined the team, they have not lost a game with him between the pipes. He continues to demonstrate his elite goaltending skills. We’ll see if he can extend this streak on Saturday.

Devils Head to D.C.

The Devils play a second half of a back-to-back on Saturday, when they take on the Capitals for the last game between the two teams in D.C. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM ET.