Hellebuyck Holds Firm as Devils Pull Clear of Capitals, 5-2
Jack Hughes and Stefan Noesen each rang a post, yet New Jersey still found enough against Logan Thompson on home ice
New Jersey was the better team on the night, and the gap on the scoreboard opened up at the two ends of the rink. Connor Hellebuyck gave the Devils the saves they needed; Logan Thompson could not do the same for Washington.
The chances leaned New Jersey's way all game. By expected goals -- how many goals a team's chances were worth -- the Devils sat at 4.06 to Washington's 2.84. Shots were nearly even, 29 to 28, so this was about the quality of looks, not volume.
In goal, Hellebuyck stopped 26 of 28. Thompson stopped 24 of 28, and by goals saved above expected -- goals stopped beyond what an average goalie would manage -- he finished at -1.41, leaving goals on the table.
It could have been worse for Washington: Jack Hughes, who scored, and Stefan Noesen each hit a post. Evan Rodrigues led New Jersey with a goal and an assist, while Arseny Gritsyuk set up two. For the Capitals, Ryan Leonard and Pierre-Luc Dubois scored.
The win moves New Jersey to 14-6-0, second in the Metropolitan Division.
