Evgeny Kuznetsov scored twice, Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist and the Capitals beat the host Devils, 5-2, on Thursday night to head into the All-Star break with the most points in the NHL.

Andre Burakovsky and Lars Eller also scored for Washington, which has 72 points in 49 games as it seeks its second straight Presidents' Trophy. Defenseman Dmitry Orlov added two assists and Braden Holtby made 27 saves for the Capitals, who are 13-1-2 in their past 16 games.

Stefan Noesen and Adam Henrique scored for New Jersey, which has lost six straight at home. The Devils are tied with the Red Wings for the fewest points in the Eastern Conference.

Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella returned to Ohio because of a family emergency, forcing him to miss Thursday night's game against the Predators and this weekend's All-Star Game. Tortorella, who had been set to coach the Metropolitan Division at the All-Star Game, hopes to be back with the Blue Jackets next week. AP