Caps Show No Sympathy for the Devils, 5-1

The Washington Capitals seem to have their mojo back and the New Jersey Devils could be step No. 2 in what might turn out to be a quick ascent back to the top of the league for the red, white and blue. Tonight, the Caps took control of what had been a back-and-forth contest to win their second consecutive game, 5-1, before the 80th consecutive sellout crowd at Verizon Center.

The Caps' final goal came off the stick of Mike Knuble, who was one of three or four Caps parked in front of Martin Brodeur, on a series at 12:01 of the third period. Brodeur looked like a shell of former self. It was the icing on the cake on a night that was dominated by the home team.

Once again, the second period -- specifically a six-minute, 31-second stretch -- was the turning point. John Carlson capped a strong game by unleashing a lethal slapshot on which Brodeur had no chance to give the Caps a 4-1 lead. Alex Ovechkin whiffed on a shot milliseconds earlier, but ended up leaving the puck for Carlson, who scored his fourth goal of his rookie campaign. It was an odd play but the latest in a string of events that went the home team's way.

About four minutes earlier, Jason Chimera got off the schnide with a beautiful breakaway goal that was started with a nice chip pass from Andrew Gordon. "Chimmer" fended off a Devils' defensemen Mark Fayne on the play as the crowd started to chant "Marty, Marty." It was a refrain that went on all night.

At exactly the midway point of the game, Jay Beagle poked in a rebound from a David Steckel shot to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. It was another grinding goal and the latest example of the Caps' continuing evolution.

The Devils' only strong play occurred at the beginning of the second stanza, when they were able to draw two power plays, both on hooking calls (on Alex Semin and Matt Bradley). On the latter, the Devils stormed the crease and Patrik Elias was able beat Michal Neuvirth to tie the game.

The Caps' first goal gave Andrew Gordon his first NHL goal. The play started when John Erskine chipped it ahead to Marcus Johansson, who skated hard into the Devils' offensive zone and whipped the puck into the crease for Gordon. Johansson had a strong game all night, excelling on the penalty kill and flying around the ice throughout the evening.

The goal was part of a first period showed the Caps might have turned a corner. They took smart shifts, played responsible hockey and, for the most part, looked like an energetic, dedicated bunch. It certainly set the tone for the night.

Another vital cog in tonight's win was Neuvirth, who made a string of strong saves and kept his poise. He very much looked like the goalie that not too long ago led the NHL in wins and was amongst the leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. He's going to be a big part of the team has they transition into a more playoff-ready bunch.

As the game concluded, and the result no longer in doubt, the crowd started to chant "we want Pittsburgh" in anticipation of Thursday's visit by the Penguins and ultimately the Winter Classic a week from Saturday. It was the latest -- and perhaps greatest sign -- that winning hockey has return to the nation's capital. The game ended with a standing ovation for a team that is in a much better mood than they were at this time last week.