WASHINGTON — Dougie Hamilton tied it within the third interval, Luke Hughes scored his first NHL aim in additional time and the New Jersey Devils rallied to beat the Washington Capitals 5-4 Thursday evening of their regular-season finale.
New Jersey erased a three-goal deficit, climbing again into it thanks to 2 from Erik Haula and one on the facility play from Miles Wood. But Carolina’s victory at Florida locked the Devils into the second seed within the Metropolitan Division and arrange a first-round matchup in opposition to the rival New York Rangers.
It’s the primary time the Devils and Rangers have met within the playoffs for the reason that 2012 Eastern Conference last. The three New York-area groups are within the NHL playoffs for the primary time since 2007.
Aiming for first place in Game 82 took a again seat to being as wholesome as doable for Game 1 of the playoffs Monday or Tuesday. New Jersey opted to relaxation high goaltender Vitek Vanecek, veteran ahead Ondrej Palat and defensemen Ryan Graves and John Marino.
Starting rather than Vanecek, Mackenzie Blackwood was pulled after giving up 4 targets on 11 photographs. Blackwood allowed targets to Joe Snively, Rasmus Sandin and Craig Smith on the primary 5 photographs he confronted in 10-plus minutes and obtained the hook when Tom Wilson scored 1:05 into the second interval.
Akira Schmid, recalled from the minors to again up, stopped all 20 photographs he confronted in reduction to present the Devils an opportunity to return again for his or her second straight victory.
At the opposite finish of the ice, Darcy Kuemper made a handful of huge saves amongst his 29 earlier than permitting two targets within the third interval and Hughes’ aim with 26.4 seconds left in 3-on-3 OT. New Jersey’s high prospect, Hughes was taking part in in simply his second professional recreation after taking part in his last season on the University of Michigan.
Despite Washington having nothing to play for, captain Alex Ovechkin returned after lacking the previous three video games with an undisclosed damage.
The Capitals missed the playoffs for the primary time since 2013-14, ending a streak of eight consecutive appearances that was tied with Nashville for the second-longest within the league. Pittsburgh’s run of 16 in a row additionally ended.
UP NEXT
Devils: Open the playoffs subsequent week in opposition to the Rangers.
Capitals: Face an unsure offseason that might embrace a training change.
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