Game Preview #8: New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals

The New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals, both carrying 4-3-0 records, face off in an early afternoon Metropolitan Division clash in Washington. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Luke Evangelista will miss the game as he recovers from illness, leaving New Jersey to deploy the same lineup used against Detroit and the New York Rangers. Goaltender Jake Allen is projected to start for New Jersey against Washington's Logan Thompson.

Washington is also dealing with health issues, missing Pierre-Luc Dubois due to illness and Matt Roy to a lower-body injury, while Justin Sourdif is questionable. The writer notes that New Jersey's top forwards, including Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, enter well-rested, and argues that defensive discipline, strong goaltending, and netfront offense will be essential for a Devils victory.