Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions October 12th 2024

Alex Ovechkin, Capitals welcome Devils to open 50th season

The Washington Capitals are gearing up to kick off their historic 50th season by hosting the New Jersey Devils in what promises to be an exciting contest. This matchup is not just the Capitals’ season opener, but also a continuation of the Devils’ already active 2024-25 campaign. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game, with key insights into both teams’ prospects for the season.

Devils’ Hot Start to the 2024-25 Season

The New Jersey Devils have hit the ground running, starting their season with two impressive victories in Prague as part of the NHL’s Global Series. However, their homecoming wasn’t as sweet, as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. This game marked the home coaching debut for new head coach Sheldon Keefe, who acknowledged that his team is still working to find consistency under his leadership.

“We’re just trying to build our game,” Keefe said after the loss. “Thursday’s game wasn’t anywhere near good enough compared to what we did in Prague.”

Despite the setback, New Jersey has shown flashes of offensive firepower, particularly from forward Timo Meier, who has found the net in back-to-back games. His contributions are crucial, especially when considering his strong performance against Washington last season, where he tallied three points in three games.

NHL GAME PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

Washington Capitals: A Milestone Season for Ovechkin

For the Washington Capitals, this game carries additional significance as it marks the start of their 50th season in the NHL. As always, all eyes are on their iconic captain, Alex Ovechkin, who is chasing one of the league’s most hallowed records. With 853 career goals, Ovechkin is now just 41 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals—a monumental achievement within reach for the 39-year-old superstar.

“Every year it gets harder to score goals,” Ovechkin admitted during training camp. “But this is my 20th year, and I’m excited to help lead this team.”

Ovechkin’s offensive contributions remain vital for a Washington team that struggled to score last season, finishing 28th in the league with an average of only 2.63 goals per game. Despite their offensive woes, Ovechkin still managed to lead the team with 31 goals, continuing to cement his place as one of the greatest scorers in NHL history.

Capitals’ 2023-24 Recap and Playoff Disappointment

The Capitals ended the 2023-24 season with a 40-31-11 record, good for 91 points and a wild-card playoff spot. Unfortunately, their postseason was brief, as they were swept by the New York Rangers in the first round. Spencer Carbery, in his rookie season as the Capitals’ head coach, managed to keep the team competitive but will look to improve in his second year at the helm.

With Ovechkin as the cornerstone, the Capitals are entering this season with renewed focus and a roster designed to address last year’s scoring deficiencies.

Key Capitals Contributors and Offseason Additions

Aside from Ovechkin, Dylan Strome was one of Washington’s standout performers last season, finishing second on the team in both goals (27) and assists (40). Strome also had a strong showing against the Devils in 2023-24, recording five points in their four matchups.

On the blue line, John Carlson remains an invaluable asset, contributing 42 assists while playing in all 82 games last season. His offensive play from the defense will be crucial as Washington aims to improve its lackluster scoring.

To address their scoring troubles, the Capitals made significant moves during the offseason, acquiring forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane. Both players have shown the ability to score in the past—Dubois netted 16 goals last season for the Los Angeles Kings, while Mangiapane added 14 for the Calgary Flames—but neither has replicated the career-high seasons they had in 2021-22. For the Capitals to compete at a high level, they’ll need both players to return to form and contribute alongside Ovechkin.

Capitals’ Focus on Depth and Team Play

One of the key messages from Coach Spencer Carbery is the emphasis on depth and the need for a collective team effort to succeed this season. While Washington has long been known for its star power, Carbery has stressed the importance of contributions from every player on the roster, particularly given the team’s struggles last season.

“We don’t rely on just four or five players anymore,” Carbery explained. “It’s going to take every single person—players, staff, everyone—to be consistent every night. That’s the only way we can succeed.”

This shift in focus could be crucial for a team that, despite Ovechkin’s brilliance, has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in recent years. A balanced approach, along with improved depth, may be the key to extending their season beyond the first round of the playoffs.

Devils’ Challenges Under Sheldon Keefe

For the Devils, the focus remains on adjusting to Sheldon Keefe’s system and building chemistry across the roster. Keefe, who took over as head coach in the offseason, comes with an impressive resume after his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, his early tenure with New Jersey has been marked by both promise and inconsistency.

Offensively, the Devils boast plenty of firepower, with players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier leading the charge. But their loss to the Maple Leafs demonstrated the need for greater defensive stability, an area they will need to shore up before facing an experienced Capitals team.

Matchup Outlook: Devils vs. Capitals

This game sets the stage for a fascinating clash between two teams with distinct narratives. The Devils are a young, rising team looking to assert themselves in the Eastern Conference, while the Capitals are a seasoned squad aiming to reclaim their spot as contenders, with Ovechkin still chasing history.

While the Devils enter with more games under their belt this season, the Capitals, buoyed by the excitement of their 50th season, will look to make a statement on home ice. Both teams will be eager to secure two points, making this game one to watch.

Conclusion

The Devils’ fast start and the Capitals’ milestone season create the perfect backdrop for an early-season showdown. With Ovechkin continuing his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, the Capitals hope to turn their offensive struggles around with the help of new faces like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane. Meanwhile, the Devils are eager to bounce back from a tough loss and continue their ascent under coach Sheldon Keefe.

As both teams look to establish themselves early in the season, this game offers a tantalizing matchup filled with star power, depth, and storylines.