Kolyachonok scores go-ahead goal, Hellebuyck makes 26 saves as Devils beat Capitals 5-2
(AP) — Vladislav Kolyachonok scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves as the New Jersey Devils beat the Washington Capitals 5-2 on Thursday night in the first of a two-game set.Kolyachonok’s shot trickled past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson at 6:27.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — In the opening moments of the third period, Vladislav Kolyachonok, fresh off signing with the New Jersey Devils in July, scored the go-ahead goal. The 25-year-old defenseman, who replaced the injured Johnathan Kovacevic, found the net with a shot that eluded Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson. Kolyachonok's goal marked the first-ever game in a Devils uniform for the young forward.
Connor Hellebuyck, returning to the ice after missing Tuesday's loss to Winnipeg, turned in a stellar performance with 26 saves. The veteran goalie had previously been held out due to poor reception from Jets fans, which followed his family's unfortunate circumstances that led him to demand a trade from Winnipeg. Hellebuyck has now won his first six starts with the Devils.
Evan Rodrigues, Lenni Hameenaho, Stefan Noesen, and Jack Hughes each added a goal to the Devils' impressive tally of 5-2 victory over the Capitals. Hellebuyck's presence in the Devils' lineup proved crucial, as the team secured their seventh straight home win. The Devils' strong form continues, with a 12-3-0 record in their last 15 games, and they have been dominant at home, recording a 9-2-0 performance at Prudential Center.
Ryan Leonard and Pierre-Luc Dubois scored for the Capitals, who have managed a two-game winning streak. Thompson made 24 saves for the Capitals, securing a stop for each of his 24 attempts. Rodrigues opened the scoring 2:20 into the first period on a power play. Leonard tied the game with a power play goal later in the period. Dubois put the Capitals ahead early in the second period.
Hameenaho equalized the score 2-2 with his first goal of the season, deflecting a shot from Brendan Dillon past Thompson. Noesen scored at 17:07 of the third period, and Hughes sealed the game with an empty-netter.
The Devils, currently second in the Metropolitan Division with 28 points, will face off against the Capitals again on Saturday in Washington.
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