With first place on the line, a loss was almost inevitable for the cellar-dwelling Devils.
Brett Connolly sparked a three-goal second period and the Washington Capitals moved into first in the Metropolitan Division with a 4-1 victory over the Devils on Tuesday night at Prudential Center.
Kenny Agostino scored for the third time in five games for New Jersey. MacKenzie Blackwood made 18 saves as the Devils lost to the Capitals for the third time in four meetings this season.
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson also scored in the second as the defending Stanley Cup champions won for the 10th time in 13 games.