Washington (10-4-2) at New Jersey (7-7-2) 7:00 p.m. EST
NEWARK, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals enter the
second leg of a home-and-home with the New Jersey Devils in
search of a weekend sweep, but they may have to do so without
the NHL's leading scorer.
Alexander Semin left Friday's 3-1 victory in the second period
with an undisclosed injury, leaving the Capitals a bit
shorthanded when they go for their sixth straight win against
the Devils on Saturday.
Semin, who leads the league with 27 points, registered three
shots on goal in 12 1/2 minutes of ice time before exiting.
Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich picked up the slack, recording a
goal and an assist apiece as Washington earned at least a point
in its ninth straight home game to open the season.
Jose Theodore stopped 32 shots in his first start since allowing
five goals to Buffalo on November 1.
The offensive struggles continue for New Jersey, which has
scored two goals or less in each of its four consecutive losses.
The Devils are 1-5-0 since losing star netminder Martin Brodeur
to a torn left biceps tendon, an injury that will sideline him
for three to four months.
Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen have combined to allow 18
goals in six games in Brodeur's absence.