Devils and Caps will meet for the last time this season | PREVIEW

THE SHOVEL

The Devils and Capitals are the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the Metro Division, respectfully. New Jersey leads the way with 34 points, one ahead of the Capitals with 33, but Jersey has played three more games than Washington. This will be the fourth and final game between the two clubs. The Devils are 2-0-1 in their last three games. Both teams play back-to-back games in the second half, with both teams winning on Friday afternoon.

The Devils have a record of 11-4 in their last 15 games and a record of 4-1 in their last five games, including a 3-2 win at Washington. Captain Nico Hischier has scored four goals and six points in his last four games. His 14 goals lead the team. Jesper Bratt leads the club with 19 assists and 29 points.

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton leads the back end with four goals and 19 points. Goaltender Jake Allen’s last start was against Washington, when he stopped 24 of 25 shots to secure a 3-2 win.

Washington has a 6-2 record in its last eight games and remains strong toward the top of the league. Dylan Strome leads the Capitals with 34 points on the year. His 26 helpers also top the team. Alex Ovechkin has a team-best 15 goals despite missing the last five games due to injury.

John Carlson still carries the load for D-Corps. The 34-year-old blueliner leads the group with three goals, 13 assists and 16 points. Goaltenders Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren split time evenly in net. Thompson is 10-1-1 in his 12 games this season.

WHO IS HOT

Devil: The Devils’ power play accounted for three goals in a 5-4 win at Detroit on Friday afternoon. The team’s man-advantage unit has scored 11 goals in its last seven games.

Capitals: Forward Tom Wilson has five points (3g-2a) in his last three games. Wilson has scored three goals in his last two games, including two goals Friday against the NY Islanders.

INJURIES

Devil: Bastian (jaw, IR), Lazar (knee, IR), Hatakka (shoulder)

Capitals: Ovechkin (broken left fibula, IR), Milano (upper body, IR)

REGULAR SEASON RESULTS