Capitals win 14th in a row at home
The NHL-leading Washington Capitals won their franchise-record 14th consecutive home game, beating the New Jersey Devils. 1-0, Thursday night thanks to rookie forward Jakub Vrana’s power-play goal with about 12½ minutes left in the third period.
Capitals goalie Braden Holtby only needed to make 15 saves for his eighth shutout this season. New Jersey’s previous season low for shots on goal was 17.
Washington’s streak in the nation’s capital began New Year’s Day; the team’s last srrtback on home ice was a 2-1 shootout loss Dec. 29 against — yes, that’s right — the Devils.
Before the current run, the Capitals’ best such stretch was a 13-gamer in 2010.
During this streak, Washington has outscored opponents, 65-20, and recorded six shutouts.
New Jersey lost its fifth game in a row, unable to score during a 4-minute penalty to Capitals forward Brett Connolly late in the third period.
Vrana, appearing in his 14th NHL game, scooped up a loose puck in front of the net and put it past goalie Cory Schneider for his second career goal. Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson were credited with assists.
The score came with Paul Carey in the penalty box for tripping.
Washington’s power-play unit included defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, who made his home debut after arriving before the trade deadline from the St. Louis Blues.
Other games
Blue Jackets 1, Wild 0: Brandon Saad (Pine-Richland High School) scored his 19th goal this season at 4:32 of the third period as host Columbus beat Minnesota behind Sergei Bobrovsky’s 38 saves.
Sabres 6, Coyotes 3: Evander Kane scored the goahead goal with 5:36 remaining, and host Buffalo held on to beat Arizona.
Flyers 2, Panthers 1: Newly acquired Valtteri Filppula scored in regulation and Jakub Voracek and Jordan Weal netted goals in the shootout to lift host Philadelphia to a victory against Florida.
Rangers 2, Bruins 1: Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves on his 35th birthday and visiting New York squeezed out a win against Boston.
Senators 2, Avalanche 1: Alex Burrows scored two goals in his debut with host Ottawa after being acquired from Vancouver to spark a victory against Colorado.
Canadiens 2, Predeators 1: Paul Byron scored at 19:51 of the third period as host Montreal beat Nashville. Islanders 5, Stars 4: Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg scored the go-ahead goal at 7:46 of the third period and Nikolay Kulemin nailed the winner less than two minutes later as visiting New York beat Dallas.