Devils Beat Capitals 5-2 Behind Utica Call-Ups
New Jersey's three call-ups from Utica each scored as the Devils topped Washington on November 12, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Hockey
The New Jersey Devils defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2 on November 12, 2026. Three Utica Comets call-ups, Lenni Hameenaho, Vladislav Kolyachonok, and Stefan Noesen, each scored a goal in the win.
Why it matters
Injuries and illnesses to Anthony Mantha, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Brett Pesce forced three Utica players into the lineup, and their production helped New Jersey secure the win. The Devils will face the Capitals again on Saturday.
The box score shows the Devils scored five goals on the Capitals' two, with Evan Rodrigues opening the scoring at 2:20 of the first period. The source does not provide shot totals or advanced possession metrics for the game.
The players
New Jersey Devils
The NHL franchise based in New Jersey that competes in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.
Washington Capitals
The NHL franchise based in Washington, D.C., that competes in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.
Utica Comets
The American Hockey League affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, based in Utica, New York.
The details
Jesper Boqvist put the puck into the boards, Cody Glass gained control and found Brenden Dillon wide open, and Dillon's shot from behind the circle was deflected into the net by Hameenaho. Jack Hughes added an empty-net goal, and Hameenaho and Kolyachonok were named the game's Second and Third Stars.
Timeline
2:20 in the first period: Evan Rodrigues opened the scoring for New Jersey.
9:51 in the second period: Hameenaho tied the game 2-2.
6:27 in the third period: Kolyachonok scored the game-winning goal.
17:07 in the third period: Noesen scored the game-icing goal.
Saturday: The Devils face the Capitals again.
Season Trajectory
The win shows how depth from the Utica Comets can keep New Jersey competitive while regulars are sidelined by Mantha, Kovacevic, and Pesce. The result gives the Devils a positive result in their early-season schedule against a divisional rival.
Fantasy managers who roster Hameenaho, Kolyachonok, or Noesen should note that all three scored in this win, and Rodrigues earned two points as the game's First Star. The Saturday rematch with Washington gives those players another immediate chance to contribute.
The takeaway
Depth players can change a game when injuries reshape the lineup, and the Devils' call-ups showed that on Wednesday night. Keep an eye on how the Utica contributors fare when the teams meet again.
What happens next
The Devils and Capitals meet again on Saturday.
Further reading
For more on the team's depth and developmental pipeline, see Hockey coverage.
