Washington Capitals Face Rematch Against New Jersey Devils

In a much-anticipated rematch, the Washington Capitals are set to face the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center in Newark. This encounter comes a week after the Capitals were defeated by the Devils during their season opener at home. The Capitals are currently on a two-game winning streak, having secured victories against the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars.

Right wing Tom Wilson expressed optimism about the team’s performance. “Obviously, it’s really early and the League is still feeling each other out,” Wilson remarked. “But you look at those lineups, and you know they’re going to be good teams. They’re dangerous, so it’s a good start on home ice.”

Head coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the first match against the Devils. “It’s hard to pre-scout the first game,” Carbery stated. “Now we have to take some of the stuff that we saw in the first game, and the things that New Jersey does at a real high level, and make sure that we’re extremely detailed in those areas.”

Defender Trevor van Riemsdyk highlighted the importance of maintaining focus, given the talent within the Devils’ lineup. “Obviously, they have an extremely high-end forward group from top to bottom,” van Riemsdyk said. “But that top six especially, [Jack] Hughes is dynamic, [Jesper] Bratt is dynamic. They’ve got guys who can put the puck in the net, and you’ve just got to be aware.”

Attention will also be on Martin Fehervary, whose defensive prowess has been a standout feature in the Capitals’ recent games. “He’s done a real nice job and we need him desperately,” commented Carbery on Fehervary’s performance. The Slovakian defenseman has been leading the team in both blocked shots and physical play.

In the net, Logan Thompson is set to start against the Devils. Thompson had an impressive debut for the Capitals with a 4-2 victory over his former team, the Vegas Golden Knights. His counterpart, Jacob Markstrom, will be defending the goal for New Jersey. Markstrom, in his first season with the Devils, has claimed five starts so far.

The lineups are expected to remain consistent for both teams, with key players like Alex Ovechkin for the Capitals and Nico Hischier for the Devils taking to the ice. Injuries still keep Washington’s T.J. Oshie, Nicolas Backstrom, and Roy out of the game, while New Jersey will miss Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes due to injuries.