The Washington Capitals play their first away game of the season against a familiar divisional foe. They take on the New Jersey Devils, who the Capitals played in their home opener, at the Prudential Center for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop. Washington’s lone loss of the season came at the hands of New Jersey. They defeated the Capitals, spoiling their home opener. Now, the Devils sit with a record of 5-2-0, while Washington has a record of 2-1-0. What keys to the game will help the Capitals defeat New Jersey this time?
First Key to the Game: Shut Down the Cotter Line
Paul Cotter has been one of the most effective players on their new team so far this season. In seven games for the Devils, he has five goals and an assist for six points. Two of those goals were scored against the Capitals. He is on pace to post career-high offensive stats. His best campaign for goals was in 2022-23 when he scored 13 goals for the Vegas Golden Knights in 55 games. His best overall point total was in 2023-24, as he accrued 25 points in 76 games for Vegas. The change of scenery has been huge for the 24-year-old forward.
Things have changed a little bit with Cotter, though. The last time he played Washington, he was on a line with Stefan Noesen and Erik Haula. Now, Cotter plays on the first line along with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Tomas Tatar, who also scored against the Capitals and provided an assist the last time these two teams played each other, has taken Cotter’s spot with Haula and Noesen.
New Jersey Devils left wing Tomas Tatar (90) celebrates his goal with right wing Stefan Noesen (11) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New Jersey’s top line of Cotter, Hughes, and Bratt will be dangerous. Hughes might only have one goal so far, but he has five points in seven games. With his skill, he can accumulate points very easily. Bratt is another offensive talent for the Devils. He has one goal so far this season but has a total of six points in seven games.
Simply put, Washington must figure out how to keep Cotter off the scoresheet. His two goals were a big reason why New Jersey was victorious the first time.
Second Key to the Game: Be More Disciplined
Washington’s penalty kill was impressive during their first matchup with New Jersey. They killed off all four penalties they took during that game. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery gave credit to his penalty killers but also mentioned how they needed to take fewer penalties to begin with. Carbery said after the Devils game on October 12, “Yeah, I thought our penalty kill was excellent. Even drawing a penalty on that late one so that it nullifies their power play and puts us on it. Even some rush chances, I thought we did a really good job there shorthanded. Power play scores a huge goal…But discipline too. Like we take four, right? Just little bit careless. Dowder’s our best penalty killer and he’s in the box for two minors, so there’s little stuff like that that adds up in a game when you’re playing against a good hockey team.”
Washington has not been more disciplined since the first game against New Jersey. In fact, they have been consistent in how many they take per game. The Golden Knights are the only opponent who has capitalized on a power play against Washington so far. They converted once out of their opportunities. The Capitals need to try and take less penalties. Let New Jersey get the calls. Focus on playing a cleaner game and that can potentially help make a difference.
Third Key to the Game: Feed Number Eight
One of the interesting stats from the first matchup between the Capitals and Devils was that Alex Ovechkin did not have a shot on goal during the game. That has only happened 22 other times in his career. Ovechkin does not have any goals so far through three games, but he does have three assists. In fact, he recently hit the 700 career assist mark during the game against Vegas.
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) and left wing Alex Ovechkin talk during the second period of an an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Simply put, I would try to feed Ovechkin as much as possible, especially when he is in his office on the power play. I think if he gets plenty of shots off, a couple are bound to go by Jacob Markstrom, who appears to be the starter tonight for the Devils (Logan Thompson appears to be in net for Washington as well). Ovechkin will also get closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record.
Again, the game tonight starts at 7:00 p.m. at Prudential Center in New Jersey. Then, the Capitals do not play again until Tuesday, when they start a home-and-home series with the Philadelphia Flyers.