The New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals enter Saturday’s matchup with identical 4-3-0 records, but New Jersey arrives with the league’s attention after a 7-1 rout of the New York Rangers on Thursday. The Devils vs Capitals preview centers on which team can turn early-season special teams numbers and goaltending into points in the standings.
Puck drop at Capital One Arena is set for 1 p.m. ET, with both clubs sitting at eight points in the Metropolitan Division through seven games. New Jersey is 2-1-0 within the division, while Washington is 3-1-0.
New Jersey Devils At Washington Capitals Game Information
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
- TV/Streaming: NHL Net, MNMT, MSGSN
How Have Both Teams Looked Early This Season?
New Jersey’s offense has been inconsistent through its first seven games, splitting wins and losses before the blowout of the Rangers, where Luke Hughes scored twice, according to FOX Sports. The Devils have scored 23 goals and allowed 23 this season, a dead-even goal differential that reflects a team still finding its footing defensively. Jack Hughes leads New Jersey with nine points, while Nico Hischier paces the club with four goals.
Washington has also been streaky, winning three of its last five games overall. The Capitals have outscored opponents 24-22 this season and lead the matchup in goals for, but their penalty box time stands out. Washington has committed 35 total penalties through its first seven games, an average of five per contest that ranks ninth in the NHL, per FOX Sports. Alex Tuch leads the Capitals with five goals and six points, with Dylan Strome tied atop the team in assists at five.
What Is The Injury Situation For Each Team?
Washington is dealing with a thinner lineup than New Jersey heading into this one. Rasmus Sandin remains out with a knee injury that has him on long-term injured reserve, with a return date not expected until Dec. 26. Patrick Thomas (upper body) and Matt Roy (lower body) are also out, with Roy still considered day to day from an injury sustained Oct. 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to NHL.com. Pierre-Luc Dubois is sidelined by illness and was ruled out of Washington’s game against Carolina earlier in the week after missing practice.
New Jersey’s injury list includes Nick Bjugstad, out following pectoral surgery with a return date not expected until January, and Seamus Casey, sidelined by a knee injury. Connor Brown remains day to day with a lower-body injury suffered at practice in late September, though he skated earlier in the week and could be nearing a season debut. Luke Evangelista is also day to day with an illness; Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said he expects Evangelista to play despite the winger sitting out a recent morning skate, per NHL.com. New Jersey recalled forward Stefen Noesen from the AHL as a precaution.
Who Are The Expected Starting Goaltenders?
Jake Allen is projected as the probable starter for the Devils, while Logan Thompson is listed as the probable starter for the Capitals. New Jersey’s goaltending has posted a .874 save percentage with 152 saves on the season, while Washington’s netminders have combined for a .902 save percentage on 185 saves. Both designations remain projections until puck drop, per the official data.
What Is The Key Matchup To Watch?
Washington’s power play, which has converted for three goals on the season, will face a Devils penalty kill that has already allowed opponents extended opportunities given New Jersey’s own penalty minutes total of 55. New Jersey, meanwhile, has generated more total shots this season at 249 compared to Washington’s 183, giving the Devils an edge in puck volume even though their shooting percentage sits lower at 9.2% versus the Capitals’ 13.1%. How New Jersey converts its shot advantage against a Washington club that leads with efficiency, rather than volume, could define which team’s offense controls the afternoon.
What’s Next
Saturday marks the first meeting between these two clubs this season, with the official data confirming the season series begins Oct. 17. Both teams continue Metropolitan Division play in the days that follow as they look to build on their 4-3-0 starts.
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