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New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals Betting Preview
New Jersey enters without Jack Hughes, which shifts the matchup. The Devils have leaned on depth scoring and strong five-on-five play, but losing their leading scorer cuts into their transition speed and power-play ceiling. Washington returns home after a 1-3 road trip and continues to search for consistency. The Capitals generated volume Thursday, but defensive penalties and lapses cost them again.
The last meeting was tight, and both teams have trended toward lower-event hockey. Washington has dropped seven of nine, while New Jersey has controlled pace in most of its wins. With both clubs dealing with key injuries, this game becomes a test of depth and defensive structure.
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Line Movement and Odds
Market opened Washington -135 and 5.5 on the total. Current pricing leans toward the home side at -147, with New Jersey at +124. The puck line sits at Washington -1.5 (+168) and New Jersey +1.5 (-206).
The total remains 5.5, but sharper action early leaned under, pushing juice to Under -101 while the Over is -120. Public money skews slightly toward the Devils’ dog price, but sharper bettors have backed Washington in early limits. You can track updates on the NHL odds
Matchup Breakdown
New Jersey Outlook
Simon Nemec’s breakout night in Chicago stood out, but the Devils lose a major offensive engine without Hughes. Their rush speed drops, and their zone-entry rate historically falls without him. New Jersey still ranks strong in expected goals and owns an 8-3 record in close games. The concern is shot suppression. They allow too many dangerous looks in the slot, which pairs poorly with limited scoring depth.
Washington Outlook
Washington’s offense has cooled dramatically during this slide. They have been outscored 31-23 over the last nine games and continue to take penalties at critical moments. The positive sign Thursday was generating 40 shots. If they sustain that pressure at home, they can tilt possession. Their blocked-shot volume is high and they match up well against slower forechecking teams.
Key Battleground
New Jersey’s defensive gaps versus Washington’s cycle game. If the Capitals maintain pressure below the dots, they can exploit New Jersey’s weaker defensive pairings. Without Hughes, the Devils will need efficient counterattacks and clean exits to keep this close.
Injuries and Conditions
New Jersey Devils
- Jack Hughes, out, hand injury
- Dougie Hamilton, out, undisclosed
- Brett Pesce, out, upper body
- Multiple depth skaters remain on IR or day-to-day
Full details available on the New Jersey Devils injury report
Washington Capitals
- Pierre-Luc Dubois, out, lower body
More updates on the Washington Capitals injury report
Conditions
Game is indoors at Capital One Arena. No weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
New Jersey is 7-3 in its last 10, but their offensive ceiling takes a hit without Hughes. Washington has lost seven of nine but projects better at home with expected-goals metrics that improve in their building.
ATS Trends
- Devils 4-2 as favorite or dog in last six
- Capitals 3-2 on the puck line as underdog
Projected Score: Washington 3, New Jersey 2
Best Bet: Under 5.5
Both teams trend toward conservative starts and reduced finishing talent.
Secondary Lean: Washington moneyline
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