New Jersey’s stronger record and top-ranked attack face a Washington team that already won their first meeting.
Thursday’s matchup at Prudential Center pits the 13-6 Devils, who have 26 points, against the 10-6 Capitals, who have 20. New Jersey is 4-1 in its last five despite a most recent loss, while Washington has won two straight and is 3-2 over that span. The Devils rank No. 7 in the power index to Washington’s No. 13, and Jack Hughes leads New Jersey with 25 points in 17 games; Jordan Kyrou tops the Capitals with 14 in 14. Washington took the season’s first meeting, 4-2, so the Devils must solve a matchup they’ve already lost once. New Jersey’s +8.2 shots-per-game differential against Washington’s -0.6 could prove decisive if the Devils turn that territorial edge into chances.