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Capitals go for home-and-home sweep of Devils

Nov 15, 2008 - 11:32 AM Washington (10-4-2) at New Jersey (7-7-2) 7:00 p.m. EST

NEWARK, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals enter the second leg of a home-and-home with the New Jersey Devils in search of a weekend sweep, but they may have to do so without the NHL's leading scorer.

Alexander Semin left Friday's 3-1 victory in the second period with an undisclosed injury, leaving the Capitals a bit shorthanded when they go for their sixth straight win against the Devils on Saturday.

Semin, who leads the league with 27 points, registered three shots on goal in 12 1/2 minutes of ice time before exiting.

Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich picked up the slack, recording a goal and an assist apiece as Washington earned at least a point in its ninth straight home game to open the season.

Jose Theodore stopped 32 shots in his first start since allowing five goals to Buffalo on November 1.

The offensive struggles continue for New Jersey, which has scored two goals or less in each of its four consecutive losses.

The Devils are 1-5-0 since losing star netminder Martin Brodeur to a torn left biceps tendon, an injury that will sideline him for three to four months.

Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen have combined to allow 18 goals in six games in Brodeur's absence.