Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM EDT
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Broadcast: ESPN+, Hulu, MSG SN / Devils Hockey Radio Network; League Pass
This Metropolitan Division clash carries late-season playoff implications as both teams hover around the wild-card bubble. The Capitals (6th in the Metro) ride a three-game win streak into Newark and are 15-17-4 on the road, while the Devils (7th in the Metro) host with a 19-15-2 home mark but enter on a 1-2-0 skid in their last three. New Jersey is coming off a 4-1 loss at the Rangers on Tuesday and will look to leverage home ice and speed against a surging Washington squad.
Injury Report
Washington Capitals (forward depth tested):
- Aliaksei Protas (C) – Day-to-Day (upper body)
- Ethen Frank (RW) – Day-to-Day (lower body)
New Jersey Devils (multiple forwards and defense impacted):
- Arseny Gritsyuk (RW) – Day-to-Day (undisclosed / lower body)
- Brett Pesce (D) – Day-to-Day (lower body)
- Stefan Noesen (RW) – Out (knee, IR-LT)
- Zack MacEwen (RW/C) – Out (knee / upper body, IR-LT)
The Capitals’ absences are limited to secondary scoring pieces, preserving their top-six and veteran core. New Jersey’s injuries thin the wing group and blueline depth, forcing heavier minutes for stars like Jack Hughes and the top defensive pairs.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Washington Capitals (3-2-0):
- 3/31 vs PHI: W 6-4
- 3/28 @ VEG: W 5-4 (SO)
- 3/26 @ UTA: W 7-4
- 3/24 @ STL: L 0-3
- 3/22 vs COL: L 3-2 (OT)
Washington has been explosive offensively during the win streak (averaging 6+ goals) but showed defensive vulnerabilities earlier.
New Jersey Devils (3-2-0):
- 3/31 @ NYR: L 4-1
- 3/29 vs CHI: W 5-3
- 3/28 @ CAR: L 5-2
- 3/26 @ NSH: W 4-2
- 3/24 @ DAL: W 6-4
New Jersey has shown offensive punch in wins but has struggled defensively in losses, allowing 4+ goals in three of the last five.
Key Player Matchups
- Alex Ovechkin (WSH) vs. Devils defense (Pesce if active / makeshift pairings): Ovechkin’s power-play presence and net-front battle will test New Jersey’s thinned blueline.
- Jack Hughes / Nico Hischier (NJD) vs. Capitals checking lines and shutdown D: Hughes’ speed and playmaking are the Devils’ best chance to generate transition scoring.
- Dylan Strome / secondary Capitals scoring vs. New Jersey’s top-six: Washington’s depth has clicked lately; expect them to exploit any Devils forward gaps.
- Goaltending Battle: Likely Charlie Lindgren or backup (WSH) vs. Jacob Markstrom or Jake Allen (NJD). Markstrom has been steady but faces pressure behind an injured group.
Washington’s veteran structure and recent offensive form project favorably against New Jersey’s depleted roster.
m.thescore.comSeries HistoryThe teams split their earlier 2025-26 meetings: New Jersey took the Nov. 15 contest in Washington (3-2 SO), while the Capitals won the March 20 matchup at Capital One Arena (2-1). Recent head-to-head has been low-scoring and tightly contested, often decided by special teams or goaltending. All-time, the rivalry remains competitive with no clear dominance.
Betting Trends
Totals trend Over in high-event Devils home games; head-to-head often stays under 6 goals.
Capitals are 3-0 SU in their current streak and strong as slight road dogs.
Devils are 3-2 SU lately but 2-3 ATS in the last 5; home favorites have been reliable but injuries create value questions.
