Logan Thompson backstops Capitals to 2-1 win over the Devils

Devils Capitals Hockey New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen (34) and defenseman Luke Hughes (43) stop Washington Capitals right wing Ethen Frank (53) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Devils Capitals Hockey Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) shoots the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Devils Capitals Hockey Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) stops the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Devils Capitals Hockey Washington Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard shoots during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Logan Thompson made 30 saves, losing his shutout bid with just 43 seconds remaining, and the Washington Capitals beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Friday night.

Ryan Leonard scored midway through the first period, and Aliaksei Protas added an empty-netter with 1:43 remaining.

Jesper Bratt scored for the Devils, extending his point streak with three goals and four assists over his last seven games. Jake Allen stopped 26 shots.

It was the third meeting between the teams and the first that didn’t require extra time. The Devils beat the Capitals in a 3-2 shootout win on Nov. 15, but lost 4-3 in overtime on Dec. 27. Thompson and Allen covered the net in all three games. They will conclude their season series on April 2 in Newark.

Up next

Devils visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.

Capitals wrap a four-game homestand against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday afternoon.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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