Devils Can Make Another Statement With Win Over Capitals

Even though Alex Ovechkin is out with an injury, the New Jersey Devils have another statement opportunity vs. the Washington Capitals

---

Follow us on Twitter: @AlexC_NJD, @NJD_OnTheRush

Follow me on Bluesky

---

The New Jersey Devils conclude this difficult five-game stretch tonight with a tilt against the Washington Capitals. The objective of these games was to grab six out of ten points, which they've already done. But there's an opportunity for more tonight.

Not only can the Devils grab eight out of ten points from these five games, but they can continue to exorcise some demons against a Capitals team that has been their boogeyman for years. With Alex Ovechkin out with a broken fibula, there may be no better opportunity for the Devils to do so.

Capitals Defense Heading in the Wrong Direction

The Capitals were one of four Metropolitan Division teams I had making the playoffs in my Devils season preview for this Substack. They had a very good offseason and looked much improved from the team that finished with a -37 goal differential in 2023-24.

Among the Capitals' additions were goaltender Logan Thompson, defensemen Matt Roy and Jakob Chychrun, and forwards Andrew Mangiapane and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

That's led to the Capitals becoming a much-improved five-on-five team, as they have an expected goals share (xG%) of 51.54 percent coming into tonight's game. However, they're not without their flaws.

While the Capitals are improved, their five-on-five defense is among the weaker ones in the NHL. They're allowing 2.72 expected goals per 60 minutes, ranked 25th in the league. Even with Roy returning from injury a couple of weeks ago, their defense continues to trend downward.

They're allowing 3.29 expected goals per 60 minutes over their last ten games, the second-worst rate in the NHL. Only the Anaheim Ducks have been a worse defensive team (3.65 xGs against per 60) over their last ten games.

The Devils' five-on-five offense could stand to improve, but this could be an opportunity for them to do some damage. The Capitals are not playing well defensively, and unlike the last time these two teams matched up, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt are firing on all cylinders. There could be some goals scored tonight.