WASHINGTON, DC -It's a quick turnaround for the Devils as they face off against the Washington Capitals at 2:30 p.m. ET, following a game yesterday afternoon at home. This is the first of eight meetings between the two clubs, and the Capitals currently sit third in the East division with a 8-5-3 record.
"They got some highly skilled offensive players that we have to make sure that we don't give up opportunities that are going to be easy opportunities," said Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff Sunday morning. "Our back checking has to be better than yesterday, our tracking has to be better, our structure and our D zone, we have to get to our spots quicker and take the time and space away."
The Devils struggled with energy throughout the first two periods of Saturday's game, but had a strong third period.
"I really felt we got more on our toes, our defense got more involved. We played a quicker game. We were better at getting pucks to the net earlier in our shifts," said Ruff.
To help the team with energy in this back-to-back, Ruff plans on making changes to the lineup to bring in fresh players. Devils goaltender Aaron Dell will make his season debut for the team as Mackenzie Blackwood gets the game off. Dell's last game was March 11th for the San Jose Sharks.
Left Wing Nikita Gusev rejoins the line up and Ruff expects Gusev to bring a fast pace and strong play off the puck this afternoon.
"Pace of play and creating those offensive opportunities, and also having the ability to finish," said Ruff. "We demand a lot from our forwards inside the system we play, and part of it is our play away from the puck. So all those areas just has to be better."
Ruff also confirmed that veteran center Travis Zajac will play his 1000th NHL game against the Capitals. Zajac will become the fourth Devil and third skater in the franchise to hit that milestone.
Lastly, Ruff confirmed that defenseman Ryan Murray will rejoin the lineup after missing the last few games due to an undisclosed sickness, not related to COVID-19.
In addition to focusing on high energy, better back checking, and better decisions throughout all areas of the ice, the Devils will also continue to hone in on their special teams. The Capitals have the seventh best power play in the league, and it's something Ruff and the coaching staff has identified as a focus for today.
"Their power play's a weapon. They've got a couple of defenseman that really get involved," said Ruff. "Some other better offensive players, we know about Ovechkin, if he gets opportunities he's a man that finds the back of the net on a regular basis."
"We know that we're gonna have to play well away from the puck. We can talk about what we want to do offensively, but at the same time our defending has got to be really good against their top players."
Puck drop is 2:30 p.m. ET and today's game is on NBC.
