Capitals vs Devils Betting Preview

Washington and New Jersey resume play with urgency. Both teams hit the break on losing streaks but remain in the hunt for playoff spots. The Metropolitan Division tightened through December, and each matchup carries weight.

New Jersey sits behind last year’s pace. They reached the break eight points off their 2023 mark. Injuries shaped that decline. Jack Hughes missed 18 games and still shares the team lead in goals. He returned last week and scored in his first game back. Sheldon Keefe noted the group’s resilience despite long stretches without key players. New Jersey remains close enough to push forward if they stabilize defensive habits and gain momentum at home.

Washington dropped six of seven entering the break. Their schedule ahead raises the stakes. Spencer Carbery emphasized that the upcoming stretch dictates where their season heads. Their 7-3 loss to the Rangers highlighted breakdowns in coverage and slow puck movement. Tom Wilson missed that game due to illness. His availability affects their matchup layers and finishing strength.

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Line Movement and Odds

Devils -135, Capitals +115
Total: 6.0 (over -112, under -108)

The market opened toward New Jersey based on home ice and Washington’s recent defensive struggles.

Check updated numbers on the NHL odds page.

Matchup Breakdown

Washington overview

Washington needs sharper execution. Their stretch of six losses in seven games came from inconsistent structure. Their neutral-zone spacing stalled. Their breakouts lacked pace. Logan Thompson remains steady overall, but he enters this matchup 1-3-1 in his last five. His early-season form carried Washington during their climb, but recent metrics dipped.

Tom Wilson leads the team with 17 goals and 34 points. His physical presence and net-front play matter. His history against the Devils also stands out. If he returns from illness, he adds matchup pressure on New Jersey’s top pair. Rasmus Sandin’s expected return supports their blue line and puck movement.

Washington’s path involves controlling pace early, limiting New Jersey’s rush lanes and supporting Thompson with cleaner defensive layers.

New Jersey overview

New Jersey seeks stability after back-to-back losses since Hughes returned. Their issue lies in defensive inconsistencies rather than scoring potential. They allowed extended zone time and struggled with coverage reads in recent games. Hughes’ return boosts creation, but structure determines their performance.

The Devils split the crease between Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen. Allen owns the stronger numbers and steadier form entering the matchup. Their forwards must support their transition game with tighter neutral-zone pressure. When they skate with rhythm, their offense layers well through Hughes, Bratt and their depth pieces.

If New Jersey settles into their puck support early, they create favorable entries and sustained cycles.

Injuries

Capitals

• Tom Wilson — Questionable, illness
• Rasmus Sandin — Expected to return, upper body

Full roster outlook on the Washington Capitals page.

Devils

(No new injuries provided beyond goaltending notes)

Team overview available on the New Jersey Devils page.

Betting Trends

• Capitals 1-6 in last seven
• Capitals struggling with goals allowed
• Devils tied for team lead in goals despite injuries
• Devils trending inconsistent but competitive at home
• Both teams start the second half with playoff urgency

Best Bets and Prediction

New Jersey holds an edge with Hughes back and a healthier roster. Washington’s defensive issues remain concerning. Thompson can keep them close, but the Devils’ pace and transition game match up well against Washington’s recent gaps.

Projected score: Devils 4, Capitals 3
Best Bet: Devils -135
Total Lean: Over 6.0

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