The Capitals narrowly escaped with the 3-2 preseason shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils. Washington is now 3-0 in the 2025-26 preseason. Here are five takeaways from the game.

Five Takeaways from the Capitals’ Preseason Win vs. Devils

All it Took Was a Shootout

The contest needed OT and then a shootout to settle things. The shootout competition lasted five rounds as Andrew Cristall scored the game-winner. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Ryan Leonard also tallied in the first two rounds.

Advertisement

Ryan Leonard Came Through Again

Speaking of Leonard, he played really well again. In the second period, Leonard skated past multiple defenders and scored to make it 2-0 Capitals. This was his first preseason goal, and his first on an NHL contender. The 20-year-old was all over the ice on Sunday afternoon, as he helped out defensively too.

Clarke and Thomas Make Impacts

The first goal of the contest came with over four minutes left in the opening frame. Graeme Clarke fired a quick shot into the net thanks to great passing from Patrick Thomas and Ilya Protas. Clarke, 24, signed an entry-level contract with Washington this past summer. Meanwhile, Thomas, 21, made his preseason debut and made quite an impression. He signed his entry-level contract at the end of last season.

Advertisement

Too Many Penalties

The Capitals were forced to the penalty kill six times in this preseason game. Both of the Devils’ goals came on the power play. The first tally came seven seconds into the man advantage courtesy of Nico Hischier in the middle frame. Then, the second came with four minutes left in regulation when Shane Lechance tied it up at 2-2.

Additionally, Dubois was sent to the box twice in the OT period, with his first time resulting in a penalty kill. The lone PK in overtime was almost costly, but luckily it wasn’t.

Lindgren Looked Stellar in Net

Finally, Charlie Lindgren made his first start of the preseason and looked strong in net. Lindgren made some gnarly saves, stopping 19 of 21 shots that went his way. Two highlights include Lindgren making a split save on a Jack Hughes and Jesper Blatt 2-on-0, and a huge kick-out save on Hischier.

Advertisement

Related Headlines