Read the game reports from Wednesday, January 3 in the NHL.
Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer and Michael McLeod each scored two goals and the New Jersey Devils defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3 on Wednesday night.
Hischier also collected an assist on the eve of his 25e birthday.
For his part, Mercer scored his two goals on the occasion of his 200e back-to-back NHL game to start his career.
Nico Daws signed a second victory in as many outings since his recall from the school club in December, thanks to a performance of 23 saves.
The Devils let a two-goal lead slip away, but recovered well to collect a fourth victory in five games.
Evgeny Kuznetsov hit the back of the net and added an assist for the Capitals. Connor McMichael and John Carlson also scored.
Kuznetsov had not obtained a point in his last 10 games and had not scored in 11 games.
Alexander Ovechkin collected two assists, and goaltender Hunter Shepard allowed six goals on 26 shots.
Veteran Max Pacioretty made his debut with the Capitals. The former captain of the Montreal Canadiens played his first match in almost a year after re-tearing his right Achilles tendon.
He took Hendrix Lapierre’s place in the lineup.