Washington Capitals right wing Garnet Hathaway (21) scores a goal past New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)NEWARK, N.J. – Garnet Hathaway and Daniel Sprong scored in the opening 5:06, the streaking Washington Capitals built a big lead and held off the slumping New Jersey Devils 5-2 on Saturday. Nico Hischier and Pavel Zacha each scored for the second consecutive game for New Jersey, which has lost four of five. The Capitals, who rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat New Jersey last Sunday, learned from that game and started fast. Vanecek, playing in his 16th game, made at least three good saves early in the third period to keep Washington ahead. NOTES: The Devils presented C Travis Zajac a silver stick before the game for playing his 1,000th game last weekend.

The person spoke after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced border restrictions will stay in effect through June 21. In a separate development, the NHLPAs executive board voted to defer the final payment of players regular season salaries through the end of May. Daly declined to comment on the latest deferment, saying its a decision left entirely to players. The decision on when and how to resume the season is being left with a committee made up of representatives of the NHL and NHL Players Association. There is no set deadline as to when play must resume before the NHL considers canceling the season.