Capitals vs. Devils Recap: Unhappy New Year as Caps Drop Opener 5-3

Oct 12, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New Jersey Devils center Paul Cotter (47) celebrates after scoring a goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesDid Alex Ovechkin score? Nope (didn’t even register a shot on goal)

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Considering that the Caps haven’t played a meaningful game in months and were facing a team already playing their fourth game of the campaign, the fact that Washington’s special teams were effective – 1-for-3 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill – was encouraging. Small samples, obviously, but it looks like there could be some “there” there with…