Match-up - New Jersey Devils (3-0-0) @ Washington Capitals (1-0-2) Road/Home records - 3-0-0 -------------- 0-0-2 TV - MSG Plus 2, CSN-DC Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET Projected starting goalies - Cory Schneider vs Braden Holtby
Projected lines for the Capitals:
Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - Troy Brouwer Marcus Johansson - Andre Burakovsky - Brooks Laich Jason Chimera - Eric Fehr - Joel Ward Liam O'Brien - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Chris Brown
Brooks Orpik - John Carlson Karl Alzner - Matt Niskanen Nate Schmidt - Mike Green
Projected lines for the Devils:
Mike Cammalleri - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Martin Havlat - Patrik Elias - Dainius Zubrus Ryane Clowe - Adam Henrique - Michael Ryder Tuomo Ruutu - Stephen Gionta - Jordin Tootoo
Andy Greene - Damon Severson Bryce Salvador - Marek Zidlicky Jon Merrill - Eric Gelinas
Expected scratches: Jacob Josefson, Damien Brunner and Adam Larsson.
Game notes:
- Through the first few games of the season the Capitals' worst possession defenseman has unsurprisingly been Brooks Orpik at a hair over 45%. Luckily for the Devils, the man who recently had his doors blown off by John Scott figures to play big minutes for the Caps against New Jersey's top line, which has been clicking well to start the year. I think that's a mismatch and something the Devils should be able to take advantage of.
- When Andy Greene's pairing and Travis Zajac's line were on the ice against Stamkos in Tampa Bay, the Devils won the shot attempt battle 10-1. They stuck to Stamkos like glue and, for the most part, didn't allow him many good looks. They'll need to do more of the same against Alex Ovechkin tonight.
- Speaking of Ovechkin, he's good at 5 vs 5 but dominant on the power play. The Devils have to stay disciplined because if they parade to the box like they did against Florida it won't end well.
- Cory Schneider's last two starts: 2-0-0 while stopping 54-56 for a .964SV%. He'll probably be tested quite a bit tonight, especially early, so he better be ready.
- The Adam Henrique line combined for quite a few points in New Jersey's season opener against Philadelphia, but didn't fare well in possession, and really haven't done much since. They need to be better.
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