The NHL regular season matchup between the Washington Capitals and the New Jersey Devils is set to take place at the Prudential Center on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The Capitals, with a record of 38-28-9, will be looking to continue their recent winning streak against a Devils team that stands at 38-34-2. This game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Under the guidance of head coach Spencer Carbery, the Capitals have shown impressive form in their recent outings. They secured wins in their last three games, including a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, showcasing their offensive capability. Notable performances have come from players like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson, who have been instrumental in the team’s scoring efforts.
On the other hand, the Devils, led by head coach Sheldon Keefe, are looking to rebound from their recent 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers. Despite the loss, the Devils had a strong performance against the Chicago Blackhawks, winning 5-3, with standout contributions from Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. This matchup is expected to be competitive, with the Devils slightly favored in the odds.
Devils vs Capitals At a Glance
- Game Location: Prudential Center
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Away Team Record: Washington Capitals stand at 38-28-9
- Home Team Record: New Jersey Devils have a record of 38-34-2
- Game Odds: New Jersey Devils are favored with a MoneyLine of -117
- Starting Goalies: Washington Capitals’ recent games feature Charlie Lindgren; New Jersey Devils’ recent games list Jacob Markstrom
Devils Set to Take on the Capitals: A Game to Watch
Capitals Overview
The Washington Capitals are heading into this game with aspirations of improving their playoff positioning. This season, they have shown flashes of brilliance but have also faced some challenges. Their focus will be on maintaining consistency as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
Washington’s offensive unit has been a critical component of their success this season. They rely heavily on their top scorers to deliver in high-pressure situations. The Capitals will look to their seasoned veterans to lead the charge against the Devils.
Key Players to Watch
Forwards such as Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom will be key figures in the Capitals’ offensive strategy. Ovechkin continues to be a dominant presence on the ice, capable of changing the game’s momentum with his scoring ability.
On the defensive side, John Carlson is a player to watch. His ability to read the game and make critical plays in the defensive zone is vital for Washington’s success. Carlson’s contributions on both ends of the ice will be essential against the Devils.
Goaltending Situation
The Capitals’ goaltending will be a decisive factor in the outcome of this game. They have relied on their goalies to make crucial saves in tight situations throughout the season. Strong performances from their netminders will be necessary to keep the Devils’ offensive threats at bay.
Consistency in the crease has been a theme for the Capitals this season. Their goaltenders have shown the ability to make big saves, which will be crucial in this matchup against New Jersey’s scoring threats.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- SU All Games: 26-34 (43.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 13-17 (43.3%)
- SU as Underdog: 13-17 (43.3%)
Capitals Prepare for Devils Showdown: A Look at the Away Team
Offensive Strengths
The away team enters the game with a solid offensive record, having scored 236 goals this season, ranking them 11th in the league. Their ability to generate assists is also noteworthy, with 399 assists placing them 14th overall. This offensive prowess is supported by their 2118 shots on goal, ranking 12th, showcasing their relentless attack.
On the power play, they have managed to score 40 goals, earning them a respectable 16th rank. This capability can be a game-changer against the Capitals, who have shown vulnerability in shorthanded situations.
Defensive and Physical Play
The away team’s physical play is highlighted by their 1492 hits, placing them 16th in the league. Their defensive efforts are further evidenced by 1200 blocks, securing the 2nd rank. This combination of physicality and defense could pose challenges for the Capitals’ offensive strategies.
However, their 2002 faceoffs won rank them 20th, indicating potential struggles in controlling puck possession. Managing giveaways, with 1112 this season, will be crucial in minimizing Capitals’ scoring chances.
Goaltending and Defensive Challenges
The away team’s goaltending has been solid, conceding 201 goals, ranking them 5th in the league. Their goaltenders have made 1903 saves, reflecting their ability to withstand heavy offensive pressure. Despite these efforts, the absence of shutouts indicates room for improvement in shutting down opponents completely.
Maintaining consistency in the crease will be essential, especially against a Capitals team known for their high-scoring potential led by veterans like Alex Ovechkin.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- SU All Games: 32-28 (53.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 25-18 (58.1%)
- SU as Underdog: 7-10 (41.2%)
The betting trends indicate a positive straight-up (SU) performance, particularly when entering games as favorites. Their puckline performance is evenly split, while their over/under results suggest a tendency towards lower-scoring games. These insights could be pivotal for bettors assessing the game’s outcome.
Devils vs Capitals Prediction: Capitals -102
The New Jersey Devils have had a challenging season, with a division record of 6-17 and a conference record of 16-26. Despite a late-season surge, their performance against division rivals has been subpar. This gives the Washington Capitals an edge, especially as they’ve dominated the Devils in their previous encounters this season.
Washington comes into this game with a 2-0 head-to-head record against New Jersey this season, and the Capitals have demonstrated a strong ability to score. Alex Ovechkin’s consistent scoring, having reached 31 goals, adds to their offensive threat. This makes the Capitals a solid choice at -102 on the moneyline.
Moreover, the Capitals are fresh off a 6-4 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, showcasing their ability to perform in high-pressure games. Their recent performance highlights their potential for a playoff push, which could be vital in securing a win against the Devils. Given these factors, backing the Capitals on the moneyline seems advantageous.
The Devils have shown offensive improvement since the Olympic break, but their defensive weaknesses remain, particularly against higher-scoring teams like Washington. Therefore, a projected score of Capitals 4 – Devils 2 aligns with the Capitals’ recent form and overall head-to-head success against the Devils this season.
- Devils vs Capitals Prediction: Capitals -102
- Devils vs Capitals Score: Capitals 4 – Devils 2
