Paul Cotter, Devils get win in Capitals' season debut

Paul Cotter scored two goals as the visiting New Jersey Devils spoiled the Washington Capitals' season opener, courtesy of a 5-3 decision on Saturday.

New Jersey's Tomas Tatar, Dawson Mercer and defenseman Seamus Casey also tallied, and Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen each notched three assists. Haula also won 12 of 16 draws for the Devils, who held a 32-23 edge on faceoffs.

Jacob Markstrom made 29 saves to improve to just 2-8-2 in his career against the Capitals.

Washington's Dylan Strome and defenseman John Carlson each collected a goal and an assist, and Tom Wilson also tallied.

Charlie Lindgren turned aside 28 shots for the Capitals, who lost to the Devils for the first time to open the season. Washington posted a 6-1 win over New Jersey on Oct. 6, 2001, and a 5-3 victory on Oct. 10, 2015.

Tatar gave the Devils a 3-2 lead at 3:56 of the second period after converting a second-effort play from in close despite being knocked to the ice by Hendrix Lapierre of the Capitals.

Cotter doubled the advantage nearly 10 minutes later after beating Lindgren inside the near post for his second goal of the game and fourth of the season. By comparison, Cotter totaled seven goals in 76 games last season with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Wilson scored from the slot to halve the deficit at 1:35 of the third period, but Mercer sealed the win by scoring into the empty net.

Carlson's wrist shot from the point sailed between the legs of Wilson and past Markstrom to open the scoring at 10:48 of the first period.

Casey answered just under three minutes later by beating Lindgren with a sharp wrist shot from the left circle. The goal was Casey's second in his last three games.

Haula, Noesen and Cotter executed a tic-tac-toe passing sequence to give New Jersey a 2-1 lead with 3:36 remaining in the first period. Strome, however, answered by converting from the doorstep 32 seconds into the second period.