Andrew Gordon had a goal and assist for his first two NHL points, and the Washington Capitals earned their second straight victory by beating the New Jersey Devils 5-1 on Tuesday night.
Washington is enjoying a winning streak after snapping an eight-game losing streak with a victory at Ottawa on Sunday. John Carlson added a goal and an assist, and Michal Neuvirth made 35 saves.
The Capitals jumped back over Atlanta into first place in the Southeast Division.
The Devils (9-22-2), who have the second-worst record in the NHL, dropped their ninth straight road game and third overall. New Jersey got even at 1 when Patrik Elias scored a power-play goal 4:56 of the second period, but the Capitals took then took over.
New Jersey has scored only 10 goals in seven games.
Washington took command during a stretch of 6:31 in the second period when Jay Beagle, Jason Chimera and Carlson scored to make it 4-1. Mike Knuble netted the final goal for the Capitals, who had points from 12 players.
Washington won at home for the first time since beating Carolina on Nov. 28.
The Capitals have been one of the NHL's best home teams the past few seasons, but had dropped five straight in Washington.
Gordon gave Washington a 1-0 lead with his first NHL goal. Marcus Johansson sent a perfect pass from the left boards that Gordon redirected past goalie Martin Brodeur with 3:19 left in the first.
The Capitals hope Johansson will become a play-maker, but the rookie center has only two other assists this season.
Beagle scored his second career goal - first this season - off a pass from David Steckel at 10:00.
Chimera made it 3-1 with a breakaway goal at 12:39 of the period, beating Brodeur as Devils defenseman Mark Fayne hung all over him. Gordon earned his first NHL assist.
Carlson scored the final goal of that stretch, picking up a loose puck that Alex Ovechkin lost near the high slot and firing a shot past Brodeur with 3:29 left in the period.
NOTES: Eric Fehr missed the game for Washington to attend the funeral of his grandmother. ... Ovechkin earned one assist. ... Dainius Zubrus was originally credited with New Jersey's goal, but it was changed to Elias. ... Brodeur's next game will be the 1,100th of his NHL career He finished with 23 saves.
