Caps hand Devs 1st loss

The Devils are no longer undefeated and too many penalties are to blame.

The Capitals scored three power-play goals, including two on a momentum-swinging four-minute high-sticking minor to Pavel Zacha in the third period, for a 5-2 win on Friday night at Prudential Center.

Nicklas Backstrom, who had to leave pre-game warmups after getting hit on his helmetless head by a puck, had a goal and three assists for the Capitals (3-1-1), T.J. Oshie scored twice, Alex Ovechkin scored his ninth goal and Braden Holtby stopped 21 shots. Kyle Palmieri, who had a goal — the 100th of his career — and an assist for the Devils (3-1-0), brought them within 3-2 just 53 seconds into the third period with a backhander at the crease while Cory Schneider made 23 saves.

The Devils had surprised some with their strong start as they had outscored their opponents, 16-6, and were coming off a 6-3 win at Toronto on Wednesday night. —AP