Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils Preview: Metropolitan Division Rivals Clash in Crucial Home-and-Home Series
By Brian Hradsky
Maryland Sports Blog | November 12, 2026
The Washington Capitals travel to Newark, New Jersey, Thursday night for an important Metropolitan Division matchup against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Washington enters with a 10-6-0 record, while New Jersey sits at 13-6-0 following an impressive opening stretch of the 2026-27 NHL season. The game begins a two-game home-and-home series that concludes Saturday in Washington. With both teams pursuing valuable divisional points, the matchup offers an early opportunity to establish momentum in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Capitals Looking to Build on Dramatic Overtime Victory
Washington enters Thursday’s contest riding a two-game winning streak after defeating the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night. Rookie defenseman Cole Hutson delivered the winning goal just 1:14 into overtime after assisting on Pierre-Luc Dubois’ game-tying goal during the third period. Matt Roy also scored for Washington, while goaltender Logan Thompson stopped 25 shots to help the Capitals escape Ottawa with two valuable points. Despite the victory, Washington struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure during the final two periods.
Hutson has quickly emerged as one of Washington’s most exciting young players, recording three goals and three assists over his previous five games. His 20th career NHL point also made him the fastest defenseman in Capitals history to reach that milestone, accomplishing the feat in 30 games. The 20-year-old has demonstrated offensive instincts, confidence and the ability to contribute in important situations. His continued development could become a significant factor in Washington’s pursuit of another postseason appearance.
Devils Present a Dangerous Offensive Challenge
New Jersey enters the matchup following a 4-2 loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, ending a five-game winning streak. Despite that setback, the Devils have won nine of their previous 11 games and remain one of the Metropolitan Division’s strongest early-season teams. Their offensive attack features Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, giving Washington several dangerous scoring threats to contain. New Jersey also benefits from the October acquisition of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has immediately strengthened the team’s defensive foundation.
Hughes has been particularly productive, entering Thursday with nine goals, 17 assists and 26 points. He has collected 10 points over his previous five games and recorded at least one point in nine of his last 10 contests. His speed, puck-handling ability and playmaking make him the primary offensive threat Washington must control. The Capitals cannot afford extended defensive breakdowns against a New Jersey lineup capable of converting turnovers into scoring opportunities.
Goaltending Could Determine the Outcome
Logan Thompson has provided Washington with several important performances, including his outstanding effort against Ottawa. The Capitals needed him to withstand extended stretches of Senators pressure before their late comeback. Thompson’s positioning and rebound control will be critical against a Devils team averaging approximately 3.49 goals per game. Washington must also limit second-chance opportunities and prevent New Jersey’s forwards from establishing themselves around the crease.
The Devils are expected to counter with Connor Hellebuyck, one of the NHL’s most accomplished goaltenders. Since arriving in New Jersey, Hellebuyck has won his first five starts, posting a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. His presence gives New Jersey an experienced goaltender capable of stealing games even when the Devils struggle defensively. Washington will need traffic in front, quick puck movement and sustained offensive-zone pressure to challenge him.
Three Keys to a Capitals Victory
1. Establish a stronger forecheck. Washington cannot repeat the prolonged offensive drought that nearly cost the Capitals their game against Ottawa. The Capitals must pressure New Jersey’s defensemen, win battles along the boards and create more opportunities from dangerous scoring areas. Their offensive production improves when they maintain possession below the goal line and generate traffic around the net. A consistent forecheck could also help neutralize New Jersey’s transition attack.
2. Contain Jack Hughes. Hughes is capable of changing a game with one rush through the neutral zone. Washington’s defensemen must maintain disciplined gaps while forwards provide support through the middle of the ice. Allowing Hughes uncontested entries could create difficult situations for Thompson and Washington’s penalty killers. Limiting his time and space will be essential.
3. Improve special teams. Both clubs entered the matchup with power-play conversion rates below 19%, leaving opportunities for improvement. Washington’s power play was operating at approximately 18.2%, compared with New Jersey’s 17.7%. One successful man-advantage opportunity could prove decisive in a closely contested divisional game. The Capitals must move the puck quickly and avoid predictable perimeter passing.
Injury Report
Washington enters the matchup without defenseman Rasmus Sandin, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and Vincent Desharnais, who is recovering from an abdominal issue. Their absences increase the responsibility placed on Washington’s remaining defensemen, including Hutson, Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy. New Jersey is missing forward Anthony Mantha, who was placed on long-term injured reserve following a throat injury. The Devils also listed defenseman Seamus Casey among their injured players entering the contest.
Previous Meeting
The Capitals defeated the Devils 4-2 on October 17 in Washington during their first meeting of the season. Thompson made 29 saves on 31 shots in that victory, helping Washington secure two points against its division rival. However, New Jersey has significantly improved since that meeting, particularly following Hellebuyck’s arrival. Thursday’s matchup should provide a much different challenge for Washington.
MSB Take: Capitals Must Play a Complete 60 Minutes
Washington has shown impressive resilience during its recent victories, but relying on late-game heroics is not a sustainable formula against strong opponents. The Capitals escaped Ottawa despite struggling offensively for extended stretches, and New Jersey possesses enough talent to punish similar mistakes. Hutson’s emergence has provided an exciting boost, while Thompson continues to demonstrate his importance in goal. However, Washington needs stronger contributions throughout its lineup to consistently compete with the Metropolitan Division’s best teams.
The biggest concern entering Thursday is whether Washington can sustain offensive pressure against Hellebuyck and New Jersey’s defensive structure. Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, Tom Wilson and the Capitals’ other experienced forwards must help generate quality scoring chances rather than relying on their defensemen to provide offense. New Jersey enters with the stronger record and home-ice advantage, making this one of Washington’s more difficult early-season tests. A disciplined, physical performance could give the Capitals an opportunity to earn another important road victory.
MSB Prediction: Devils 4, Capitals 3 (overtime). New Jersey’s offensive depth and Hellebuyck’s recent form give the Devils a slight advantage, although Washington has demonstrated the ability to stay competitive in close games.
