Capitals vs. Devils: Tale Of The Tape, Lines & Who To Watch

The Washington Capitals believe they’re ready for a turning point, and they will face a true test on Saturday when they face the red-hot New Jersey Devils to kick off a six-game road trip, the longest of the 2022-23 season.

Here’s everything to know ahead of puck drop.

Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils: Tale Of The Tape

Washington (9-10-3) is fresh off back-to-back victories after snapping out of a four-game skid, and with T.J. Oshie back in the lineup, things are starting to click offensively, as the team put up three goals in a shutout win over the Calgary Flames on Friday. The Capitals are still second-to-last in the East, but they are just four points out of a playoff spot, and the race is still extremely close with plenty of hockey left to play.

Meanwhile, their opponent in New Jersey is the real deal after falling to D.C. on Oct. 24. The Devils (17-4) lead the Metro and have won 14 of their last 15 and, before falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, were on a 13-game “heater.” New Jersey easily handled the Buffalo Sabres on Friday with a 3-1 victory, and will be a tough opponent on home ice in front of a passionate fan base at The Rock.

Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils: Projected Lines

There shouldn’t be too much change expected after Friday’s win. Dmitry Orlov missed his ninth straight game with a lower-body injury and still appears to be a bit away from returning. Nicolas Aube-Kubel has been a healthy scratch.

Here’s what the combinations should look like:

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Conor Sheary

Sonny Milano-Evgeny Kuznetsov-T.J. Oshie

Marcus Johansson-Lars Eller-Anthony Mantha

Aliaksei Protas-Nic Dowd-Garnet Hathaway

Erik Gustafsson-John Carlson

Martin Fehervary-Nick Jensen

Matt Irwin-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Charlie Lindgren will get the call on Saturday for the second game of the back-to-back following Darcy Kuemper’s stand-out shutout performance against Calgary on Saturday. Meanwhile, it looks like Vitek Vanecek, who has been stellar this season, will get the full game against his former club.

Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils: Names To Watch

When it comes to names to watch, look out for Alex Ovechkin, who has goals in back-to-back games, and Oshie, who has four points in two games since returning from a lower-body injury. Sonny Milano has a goal and two assists in his last two outings, and Evgeny Kuznetsov has points in back-to-back games. Anthony Mantha has also been getting some great chances of late, and is bound to break through at some point.

On the New Jersey side, watch for Jesper Bratt, who leads the club with 25 points and has four points in his last five outings. Nico Hischier has points in four of his last five games, with six points over that span. Jack Hughes is also producing at over a point-per-game pace. Another area to keep an eye on: the Devils have the best PK in the league at 86.8 percent.

How To Watch

The game will be broadcast for DMV fans and local residents on NBC Sports Washington, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. ET at Prudential Center. Fans can also tune in on the radio at Caps Radio 24/7 (John Walton is back on the call).