The New Jersey Devils (3-2-0) will be out to build on their winning run when they play host to the faltering Washington Capitals (3-3-0) at Prudential Center on Monday. Washington is embarking on a five-game road trip coming off a 4-3 win over the Kings on Saturday. The Capitals committed only one penalty in the game, holding Los Angeles without a power play goal.
Four players found the net for the Capitals. Dmitry Orlov had three assists to lead the team in scoring. Darcy Kuemper only saved 23 of 26 shots (.884%) in the win. New Jersey won for the third straight game, beating the Sharks 2-1 on Saturday. Yegor Sharangovich and Dawson Mercer each scored once for the Devils. MacKenzie Blackwood was impressive in the win, making 21 saves (.954%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Capitals won two of the three games between the teams last season, including a 4-3 victory in their final meeting in March. Nicklas Backstrom (1G 1A) and John Carlson (0G 2A) each had two points to lead Washington. Jack Hughes led New Jersey with two points (1G 1A). Vitek Vanecek got the win, saving 35 of 38 shots (.921%).
FACING OFF
Washington is averaging 3.17 goals per game so far this season, 18th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Devils team that is allowing 2.80 goals a game (11th). Meanwhile, New Jersey has found the net 2.80 times a game on average, 24th in the league, and the Capitals are allowing opponents to score 3.50 goals per game (25th).
New Jersey averages more shots a game (39.2) than most teams in the league, ranking second, though the team’s 7.1% shooting percentage is 31st. With an average of 29.3 attempts, Washington ranks 21st.The Capitals’ 23.81% power play percentage ranks 14th in the league, while the Devils are 23rd with a conversion rate of 13.33%.
New Jersey has been more successful at penalty killing, boasting the league’s fifth-highest PK% at 93.33%. Washington ranks 30th at 66.67%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin are the top skaters for the Capitals this season with five points each. Both have two goals and three assists in six games. In the net, Kuemper (3-2-0) is Washington’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.04 GAA and a .899% save percentage.
Jesper Bratt leads the Devils in scoring with eight points. He has a league-best eight assists and zero goal () in five games. Blackwood (3-1-0) has the best goals against average for New Jersey at 2.03. He has a save percentage of .904%.
HOME AND AWAY
Washington is looking for a first victory away from home this season in two games. New Jersey is 2-1-0 at Prudential Center this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
NJ Devils (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
