Capital Showdown | PREVIEW

NEW JERSEY DEVILS (4-3-0) vs WASHINGTON CAPITALS (4-3-0)

New Jersey travels to the nation's capital to face Washington on Saturday afternoon at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is 1:08 p.m. ET.

Read below for your Game Preview presented by Blue Nail Exteriors and check back for the Morning Skate Recap.

HEAD COACH SHELDON KEEFE MEDIA AVAILABILITY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Devils will not hold a morning skate due to the early game time. Head coach Sheldon Keefe will meet with media ahead of the game. 

Check back around noon for the latest info and updates on lineup, injuries and more.

THE SCOOP

The Devils are coming off their most impressive victory of the season, registering a 7-1 win against hated rival New York. The offense came fast in furious in the win and puts New Jersey at 4-3-0 on the season. They're attempting to hit a three-game winning streak in Washington. 

The captain, Nico Hischier, has led the goal scoring charge. He has four to start the season, which includes three man-advantage tallies. Jack Hughes has been his usual dynamic self, picking up nine points in the opening seven games. Luke Hughes is starting to emerge on the back end as a true No. 1 defenseman. The club has rotated goaltender Nico Daws and Jake Allen throughout the early going of the season. 

The Capitals are entering the final season of Alex Ovechkin. The Russian star has already informed his teammates this will be his final go. He was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 and will be appearing in his 22nd NHL season.

The Capitals made a big splash in the off-season, particularly with their forward group. They brought in Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner via trades and signing. Still, players like Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Aliaksei Protas remain. 

Washington was one of the more effective teams with their “retool” vs. “rebuild.” They’ve remained competitive while getting younger and setting up for success in the present and future.

WHO’S HOT

Devils: Luke Hughes

Devils defenseman Luke Hughes scored two goals in a 7-1 win against the New York Rangers while skating in 24:58 minutes of ice time. Hughes' second goal was a highlight reel play displaying his skating, hands and IQ. 

Capitals: Boone Jenner

Forward Boone Jenner has scored three goals in his last four games. Prior to going goalless in the Capitals previous game, Jenner had a three-game goal-scoring streak. 

INJURIES

Devils:

• Luke Evangelista: Illness, day-to-day

• Connor Brown: Undisclosed, day-to-day

• Nick Bjugstad: Recovering from torn left pectoral muscle, out until January

• Seamus Casey: Knee, 8-10 weeks

Capitals:

• Pierre-Luc Dubois: Undisclosed, day-to-day

• Rasmus Sandin: Knee, LTIR

• Matt Roy: Undisclosed, IR

26-27 REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS

• Oct. 17 at Washington

• Nov. 12 vs. Washington

• Nov. 14 at Washington

• Jan. 24 vs. Washington

GAME NOTES

• Nico Hischier recorded his 203rd career goal against the NY Rangers on Thursday. He past Travis. Zajac and Bobby Holik for sole possession of third place in franchise history. 
• Luke Hughes posted his first career two-goal game vs. NYR. 
• Head coach Sheldon Keefe won his 300th career game