Through their eight-game losing streak, the Washington Capitals scored 11 goals. Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, they scored five. The offensive juggernaut that is the Capitals returned Tuesday in a 5-1 rout.
Andrew Gordon scored his first career NHL goal and added one assist as well. Gordon poked in a centering pass from Marcus Johansson at 16:41 to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead after the first period.
"It's a weight off my shoulders," Gordon said. "I came here wanting to contribute and show I could do it up here. I've had a couple opportunities the last few games but finally got a nice one to squeak through on a great pass."
After New Jersey tied the score early in the second period on a Patrik Elias power play goal, the Capitals exploded offensively for the first time in what seems like an eternity. Jay Beagle, Jason Chimera and John Carlson scored within a span of 6:31 to restore the Capitals' lead for good. Beagle stuffed in a rebound from a David Steckel shot, Chimera scored on a breakaway and Carlson fired a slap shot from the point after Alex Ovechkin whiffed on a wrist shot.
Mike Knuble capped off the scoring at 12:01 of the third period in typical Knuble fashion when he deflected in a Tom Poti shot.
Michal Neuvirth made 35 saves and was barely tested throughout the night as the Capitals prevented chances in front of the net.
With the Atlanta Thrashers losing to the St. Louis Blues, the Capitals regained their lead in the Southeast Division just in time for Thursday's long-awaited match-up with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"I think winning rejuvenates guys," head coach Bruce Boudreau said. "I mean it's a much happier locker room the last couple of games, so that's good."