preview: new jersey devils aim to rebound against washington capitals

the new jersey devils and washington capitals both are coming off tough losses. (bruce bennet/getty images)

matchup overview

both teams are entering the second half of a back-to-back coming off of disappointing losses. washington fell 4-1 to the rangers while new jersey fell 3-2 to buffalo.

although it ended as a one goal game, the devils were playing rather poorly the first two periods, but fought back to nearly tie late in the third. each team is going to look to get off to a quick start, so new jersey will have to be on their toes right from the opening puck drop.

in game number 1,000 for travis zajac, the devils are really going to want to get this win for him. tune in at 2pm on nbc, the first time you will have done so on a sunday since the 2014 stadium series game against the Rangers.

projected devils lines

aaron dell was named the starter. head coach lindy ruff also confirmed ryan murray and nikita gusev will return to the lineup.

check back to our social media sites around puck drop for full lineup updates.

projects capitals lines

forwards:

ovechkin/kuznetsov/oshie

vrana/backstrom/wilson

sheary/eller/panik

hagelin/dowd/hathaway

defense:

dillon/carlson

chara/schultz

orlov/jensen

goalies:

anderson (0-1-0, .750 Sv%, 5.27 GAA)

vanecek

what to watch

travis zajac

this afternoon will mark game number 1,000 for travis zajac, all of which have occurred in a devils uniform. after shaking off the rust a bit yesterday afternoon, look for him to have a bit extra pep in his step today. with some decent possession numbers so far — 55.00 corsi-for percentage (CF%) in his two games — and the team getting contributions up and down the lineup, Zajac is primed to get back on the scoresheet.

tom wilson

coming off a tough game, it’s easy to imagine the capitals aren’t happy with their performance. how do most teams bounce back from bad performances? by playing with a little extra chip on their shoulder, and nobody represents that play style more than wilson.

wilson has 15 hits in his last five games, but what tends to go a bit more under the radar is his ability to put points on the board. with five points in his last five games (two goals, three assists) and 13 points on the season so far, wilson is far more than just a tough guy. expect wilson to be an agitator early and often, with things potentially getting chippy.

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