Devils Fall Short in Shootout Versus Capitals, 3-2

Published: Sunday, September 28, 2025

by Ryan Fox

NEWARK, NJ - The New Jersey Devils (2-2-1) took on the Washington Capitals (3-0-0) for another preseason matchup home at The Rock, and fell 3-2 in the shootout. New Jersey entered the Metropolitan matchup with a split squad, as half of the Devils roster would play in Newark, while the other half traveled up to Quebec City to face-off against the Ottawa Senators.

New Jersey also experimented with some lineup changes, with newcomer Arseni Gritsyuk placed on the wing of the first line aside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.

The period started off with some fast paced action on both sides of the ice where Kurtis MacDermid was sent to the box for a two minute holding minor. Former Devil, Graeme Clarke netted one past Markstrom just as Washington’s powerplay concluded. Ending the first, the Capitals lead the game up one, while also leading shots 9-2.

The second period of play opened up with some great opportunities from both teams. Capital Ryan Leonard got another one on board for Washington. New Jersey was falling behind after an impressive first two periods from Charlie Lindgren between the pipes for Washington. Shortly after, New Jersey was sent to their first powerplay of the afternoon.

Mere seconds in, Nico Hischier found the back of the net with Hughes and Bratt getting a pair of assists. The second period concluded with Washington leading 2-1, and also led in shots on goal at 17-8.

The final period opened up with the Devils eager to get back in the game. Nico Daws took his spot between the pipes for New Jersey, giving Markstrom the rest of the night off. Lindgren played all three periods for Washington and put up an impressive performance. New Jersey was sent to another powerplay, their second of the game, but couldn’t manage to capitalize on the man advantage.

Right after, Gritsyuk was sent off to the box giving Washington a chance to bring out their powerplay unit, but was unable to score. After some back and forth and a few missed opportunities on the powerplay, Shane Lachance tipped one in for the Devils, tying the game at two a piece. 

Lachance’s goal was immediately sent to review after a Coach’s Challenge, but it stood nonetheless. Thanks to Lachance’s goal, the game was sent to overtime.

Overtime was filled with some great chances from both Washington and New Jersey. Both the Devils and the Capitals failed to score in the extra five minutes, even with New Jersey on an opening powerplay. Hughes was tripped in the last minute of overtime, but a roughing call on Hischier kept it an even strength game. Overtime ended 2-2, with the game going to a shootout.

Hughes skated first and scored on the first shootout attempt of the game with Gritsyuk getting one as well after Bratt’s attempt was blocked by Lindgren. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Ryan Leonard found the back of the net over the first three rounds for Washington as well. Washington grabbed the win in round five of the shootout with a shot from Andrew Cristall.

The New Jersey Devils look to bounce back from this loss on Thursday, October 2nd against the New York Rangers at 7:00 p.m. New Jersey has two more games left in their preseason schedule before their regular season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 9th.

Ryan Fox can be reached at ryan.fox@student.shu.edu.

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