Logan Thompson backstops Capitals to 2-1 win over the Devils

WASHINGTON (AP) — Logan Thompson made 30 saves, losing his shutout bid with just 43 seconds remaining, and the Washington Capitals beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Friday night.

Ryan Leonard scored midway through the first period, and Aliaksei Protas added an empty-netter with 1:43 remaining.

Jesper Bratt scored for the Devils, extending his point streak with three goals and four assists over his last seven games. Jake Allen stopped 26 shots.

It was the third meeting between the teams and the first that didn't require extra time. The Devils beat the Capitals in a 3-2 shootout win on Nov. 15, but lost 4-3 in overtime on Dec. 27. Thompson and Allen covered the net in all three games. They will conclude their season series on April 2 in Newark.

Devils visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.

Capitals wrap a four-game homestand against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday afternoon.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (8) hits Washington Capitals right wing Anthony Beauvillier (72) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard (9) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Brandon Duhaime (22) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (8) chase the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) skates with the puck past Washington Capitals right wing Anthony Beauvillier (72) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) stops the puck shot by New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Olympic and world champion swimmer Cameron McEvoy has broken the men’s 50-meter freestyle world record which had stood for 17 years.

The 31-year-old Australian posted a time of 20.88 seconds on Friday at the China Open in Shenzhen, taking 0.03 second off Brazilian César Cielo’s previous mark.

Cielo set his world record of 20.91 during swimming’s so-called “super suit” era in 2009. Those suits were later banned because they increased buoyancy and reduced drag, resulting in nearly 150 world records falling in 2009 before being prohibited in 2010.

“I knew I had a chance to do a PB (personal best),” McEvoy said. “My old PB was 21.06, so maybe 20.99? But doing ⁠20.88 is unreal. It’s crazy."

Cielo was quick to congratulate McEvoy on social media, tweeting: “Congrats, Cam. Lightning fast swim! Incredible!"

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

FILE - Cameron McEvoy, of Australia, celebrates after winning the men's 50-meter freestyle final at the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 29, 2023. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)