Did Alex Ovechkin score? No (didn't even register a shot on goal)

Plus: Considering the Caps hadn't played a significant game in months and were playing a team that was already playing its fourth game of the season, the fact is that Washington's special teams were effective – 1-for-3 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the Penalty shootout – was encouraging. Obviously just a small sample size, but it looks like there might be something “there” with the extra man.

Minus: It was a really tough night for the Caps' third team of Sonny Milano, Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas, who were on the ice for the Devils' first three goals and only posted an expected goals percentage (xGF%) of 17, 7 scored. They didn't play much after that – just 4:15 total as a trio – but the damage was done.

Three stars

*** Erik Haula (3 assists)
**John Carlson (goal, assist)
* Paul Cotter (2 goals)