Match-up - Washington Capitals (15-10-6) @ New Jersey Devils (12-16-6) Road/Home records - 9-5-2 --------------4-5-4 TV - CSN-DC, MSG+ Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET Season series - 2-1 Capitals Last 10 - Capitals: 6-2-2 ------- Devils: 3-5-2 Projected starting goalies - Braden Holtby vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Capitals via DailyFaceoff.com:
Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - Tom Wilson Marcus Johansson - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Troy Brouwer Brooks Laich - Eric Fehr - Joel Ward Jason Chimera - Michael Latta - Jay Beagle
Brooks Orpik - John Carlson Karl Alzner - Matt Niskanen Nate Schmidt - Mike Green
Injured: John Erskine, Dmitry Orlov.
Projected lines for the Devils:
Scott Gomez - Adam Henrique - Jaromir Jagr Patrik Elias - Travis Zajac - Martin Havlat Tuomo Ruutu - Stephen Gionta - Michael Ryder Jordin Tootoo - Tim Sestito - Steve Bernier
Andy Greene - Jon Merrill Seth Helgeson - Marek Zidlicky Eric Gelinas - Pete Harrold
Injured: Mike Cammalleri, Dainius Zubrus, Ryane Clowe, Damon Severson, Bryce Salvador.
Game notes:
- Ottawa game aside the Devils have been crushed at even-strength of late. They are relying too much on their power play right now and it's going to catch up to them if their 5 vs 5 play doesn't improve. They also have no shot at making the playoffs playing the way they are right now. New Jersey needs to be a lot better at full strength, and the change needs to happen sooner than later.
- As always with Washington, the key is to take away time and space from Ovechkin/Backstrom and limit their opportunities. That means pressuring them when they have the puck, and not taking a bunch of penalties. It'll be a tough task for the Devils.
- After Adam Henrique's multi-point game he's now tied for the team-lead in points, but has played six less games than Jaromir Jagr. Henrique is having an impressive season given his linemates have changed countless times throughout the year and his most frequent linemates were Michael Ryder and (when healthy) Ryane Clowe.
- Jon Merrill played over 30 minutes last night on the top pairing with Andy Greene. As long as Damon Severson remains out of the lineup I'm sure he will be relied upon heavily.
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