Captain Alex Ovechkin, Chris Brown, Nicklas Backstrom, Joel Ward and Andre Burakovsky also tallied for the Capitals, who won for the third time in their last 11 meetings with the Devils. Troy Brouwer and defensemen Matt Niskanen, Brooks Orpik and Mike Green added two assists apiece while Braden Holtby made 26 saves.

Rookie blue-liner Damon Severson scored both goals for New Jersey, which fell short of recording the fourth 4-0-0 start in franchise history. Cory Schneider allowed five goals on 26 shots before being replaced by Scott Clemmensen, who finished with six saves.

Johansson put the Capitals up 3-2 in the second period and Backstrom extended the lead 56 seconds into the third. Schneider was pulled after Ward’s goal deflected in off his skate 3:25 into the final session and Burakovsky converted a power-play opportunity against Clemmensen at 8:55 to cap the scoring.

Ovechkin got Washington on the board 34 seconds into the contest with his fifth goal in three games. Severson replied at 10:15 - just 47 seconds before Brown scored to restore the Capitals' advantage - and added his second tally with 3:24 remaining in the first.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ovechkin has 38 points in 33 career games against the Devils. … Severson led all players with eight shots. … Devils RW Martin Havlat left the game in the second period with a bloody face after he was hit by Capitals LW Jason Chimera and did not return.