Two banged up teams are set to face each other at the Prudential Center on Friday night. The New Jersey Devils (7-4-1) are returning home after a four-game road trip where they went 2-2-0. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals (5-4-2) have picked up points in five of their last six games.
Overview
As for New Jersey, their most recent loss was a back-and-forth affair where they got thoroughly outplayed at five on five against a very good Colorado Avalanche team. Outside that game, New Jersey has been very strong at even strength this year, this despite missing both Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier for a majority of it.
New Jersey is expected to get some help on the injury front, as Tomas Nosek has practiced the last two days and took rushes on the third line at Friday morning’s skate. As a result of Nosek’s return, either Alexander Holtz or Max Willman will exit the lineup.
Vitek Vanecek, who has allowed 3.36 goals more than expected so far this season (60th of 68 goalies this season) was in the starter’s net Friday morning.
As for the Capitals, Washington started the season off rough, going 1-3-1 before defeating New Jersey back on October 25, 6-4. Since then, they only have one regulation loss.
Like New Jersey, the Capitals are also banged up as both forward Anthony Mantha and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk did not travel with the team. Not to mention, defenseman Joel Edmundson, forward Max Pacioretty, and forward Nicklas Backstrom are all already on injured reserve.
In net, Charlie Lindgren is expected to get the start. Lindgren has stopped 65 of the 70 shots he has faced through two starts this season. This is good for a 2.21 goals saved above expected (GSAx) on the year.
Lineups
Devils
Forwards
Toffoli – McLeod – Bratt
Palat – Mercer – Meier
Nosek – Haula – Lazar
Holtz/Willman – Tierney – Bastian
Defensemen
Siegenthaler – Hamilton
Bahl – Marino
Smith – Hughes
Goalies
Vanecek
Schmid
Capitals
Given the several injuries the Capitals are dealing with, line combinations were not available at time of writing.
Keys to the Game
Special Teams
It is well documented how hot of a start the Devils’ power play has gotten off to this season. The unit is still clicking at a 41.7% rate, by far the best in the league. They’ll face a solid test tonight in the Washington penalty kill.
The Capitals’ kill ranks a decent 13th-best in the league. However, they are suppressing opponents’ opportunities, quantity and quality, at an even better rate. Washington’s only allowing 7.29 expected goals for per 60 minutes while on the kill, that’s the ninth-best in the league.
Last time these teams faced New Jersey only got one power play chance and was held scoreless.
Devils’ Goalies
It has not been a strong start to the season for Devils’ goaltender this season. Friday’s starter, Vitek Vanecek, holds a .893 save percentage (SV%) and -3.36 goals saved above expected (GSAx). Meanwhile, Akira Schmid has posted a .887 SV% and a -0.74 GSAx across only four starts. These GSAx marks rank 51st and 60th among 80 goaltenders in the league thus far this season, respectively.
Specifically, Devils’ goalies have the third-worst high-danger save percentage in the league. Washington only generates high-danger chances at the 16th-highest rate, while Devils suppress them at the 15th-best rate.
Maybe tonight will be a night where Vanecek can improve on those lackluster season numbers.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game is scheduled for a 7:00 pm ET puck drop in Newark, New Jersey and can be seen on MSG SportNet.