The Devils are coming off a six-game homestand where the team went 5-0-1, which included an overtime loss to the Sabres on Friday night.
"It was good to get as many points as we did, but I think when it ended it like this it's a little dissatisfying," said goalie Cory Schneider, who made all six starts on the homestand, before the team left Newark. "That's where we want to get our headspace and mentality, is that it doesn't matter what you've done up to this point. It's what you've done recently, so hopefully we can use [the loss to Buffalo] as motivation [against the Capitals]."
"Obviously we're upset right now without getting the win," added captain Andy Greene. "We got a point, but we're a selfish group in here, we wanted to get that second point and finish off 6-0."
The Devils will look to put the overtime loss behind them, and start their four-game road trip off on the right foot.
"We get ready now for Washington," said Greene on Friday. "It's a huge game. They're all big, no two points are more than the other game, but it's a big divisional game."
Washington and New Jersey have been in a dogfight much of the season for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Devils lead with 50 points and two games in hand on Washington, who sit in second with 49.
The trip to D.C. will also mark the return of Marcus Johansson to Washington for the first time in the regular season after he was traded to the Devils this summer.
This time around, Johansson expects an array of emotions. Returning in the regulation season, a different feeling than during the preseason, when the Devils visited the Capitals last.
"Its more emotion involved, there's more adrenaline," Johansson said. "Yeah, I played in preseason, but it's not the same as playing a real game. You can't compare it. It's going to be fun with a lot of emotions involved. It's going to feel a bit weird at first, but a lot of fun."
Coach John Hynes has yet to announce his lineup and starting goaltender. He will meet media Saturday afternoon, when he is expected to confirm any lineup changes.
