Devils Set to Face Capitals After Holiday Break

New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals clash in key Metropolitan Division matchup

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a hockey game between two teams into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conveying the raw energy and movement of the players on the ice.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes clash between the Devils and Capitals, capturing the energy and intensity of the game through fragmented geometric shapes.Newark Today

The New Jersey Devils are set to take on the Washington Capitals on Saturday night at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Both teams are jockeying for position in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Devils sitting just one point behind the Florida Panthers for the final wild card spot and the Capitals holding the first wild card position. The Devils have struggled of late, going 4-6-0 in their last 10 games, while the Capitals have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since mid-November.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams as they look to gain ground in the crowded Eastern Conference standings. The Devils are hoping to turn things around after the holiday break and climb back into a playoff position, while the Capitals are aiming to solidify their hold on a wild card spot. The outcome of this game could have major implications on the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Devils will be led by their top scorers, Timo Meier and Jack Hughes, who have each netted 11 goals this season. Hughes has been particularly impressive, maintaining his scoring touch despite missing nearly six weeks due to a finger injury. For the Capitals, Tom Wilson has been a standout, leading the team with 17 goals and 34 points, while veteran Alex Ovechkin continues to defy Father Time, ranking second on the team with 14 goals and 31 points. The Capitals have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since mid-November, going 11-5-3 over that stretch.

  • The Devils and Capitals will face off on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 7:08 p.m. ET.
  • The Devils are coming off a holiday break, having last played on December 23.

The players

Timo Meier

A 25-year-old forward for the New Jersey Devils who has scored 11 goals this season.

Jack Hughes

A 21-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils who has scored 11 goals despite missing nearly six weeks due to a finger injury.

Tom Wilson

A 31-year-old forward for the Washington Capitals who leads the team with 17 goals and 34 points this season.

Alex Ovechkin

A 40-year-old forward for the Washington Capitals who continues to be a dominant scorer, ranking second on the team with 14 goals and 31 points.

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What they’re saying

“We're eager to get back on the ice and turn things around after the holiday break. This is a big game against a divisional opponent, and we know we need to bring our best effort.”

— Nico Hischier, Devils Captain

“The Eastern Conference is so tight right now, every game is crucial. We're focused on taking care of business and solidifying our position in the playoff race.”

— Tom Wilson, Capitals Forward

What’s next

The Devils and Capitals will face off again on March 20 in Washington and April 2 in New Jersey, with both games potentially having major playoff implications.

The takeaway

This game between the Devils and Capitals is a crucial matchup in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. Both teams are looking to gain ground and solidify their position, making for an exciting and high-stakes showdown on the ice.