The Washington Capitals lost a close battle in their home opener on Saturday to the New Jersey Devils, 5-3. Washington’s goals were provided by John Carlson, Dylan Strome, and Tom Wilson. The Devils got tallies from Paul Cotter (who netted two goals in the matchup), Tomas Tatar, Seamus Casey, and Dawson Mercer. There were a couple of takeaways from the first game of the 2024-25 season for the Capitals.
Cotter-Haula-Noesen Line Made Statement
The Devils have gotten significant contributions so far this season from their line of Paul Cotter, Erik Haula, and Stefan Noesen. Cotter was brought to New Jersey by trade with the Vegas Golden Knights over the offseason. Noesen, meanwhile, was signed as a free agent by the Devils on a three-year deal. Haula was the only one on that line with the club last season. Both Noesen and Haula finished the game with three assists.
Cotter, in particular, was a force against the Capitals. His two goals were crucial to their victory. Jacob Markstrom also made some solid saves to prevent Washington from returning to tie it. That line for New Jersey was a problem for the Capitals in this game. They had the advantage on them, and that played a massive part in the outcome of the game.
Capitals’ Penalty Kill Impressed
One of the brighter spots in Saturday’s loss was how impressive the Capitals’ penalty kill was. Washington was penalized four times throughout the night, but the penalty killers kept New Jersey off the board for power-play goals. The Capitals actually generated a few shorthanded scoring opportunities.
The penalty kill was also talked about postgame. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said, “Yeah, I thought our penalty kill was excellent. Even drawing a penalty on that late one so that it nullifies their power play and puts us on it. Even some rush chances, I thought we did a really good job there shorthanded. Power play scores a huge goal…But discipline too. Like we take four, right? Just little bit careless. Dowder’s our best penalty killer and he’s in the box for two minors, so there’s little stuff like that that adds up in a game when you’re playing against a good hockey team.”
Cutting down on penalties is something the team will have to work on. However, it is encouraging that if they do end up with a player in the box, they have a strong ability to kill off the entire time they are shorthanded.
Lindgren on Washington’s Penalty Kill
Goalie Charlie Lindgren was also asked about the strength of the penalty kill. Lindgren said, “Yeah, obviously we rely a lot on our penalty killers. It was good for us last year…we got guys that are bought into the system and guys that are going out there to block shots and defend well. That’s what we do. Encouraging for sure…”
The Capitals next play on Tuesday at home against the Vegas Golden Knights. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
