**New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals Preview**
*Washington; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST*
**BOTTOM LINE:**
The New Jersey Devils (12-4-1), positioned strongly in the Metropolitan Division, will visit the Washington Capitals (8-8-1), also in the Metropolitan Division, for their first matchup of the season. The Devils are coming off an exciting 4-3 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks, highlighted by Simon Nemec’s impressive hat trick.
Washington holds an overall record of 8-8-1 and a 4-2-0 mark in division games. Notably, the Capitals have struggled in games where they accumulate more penalty minutes than their opponents, posting a 2-6-1 record in those situations.
New Jersey boasts a solid 12-4-1 overall record with a 2-1-1 record within the division. The Devils perform well when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponents, standing at 4-1-1 under those circumstances.
**TOP PERFORMERS:**
For Washington, Dylan Strome leads the team with five goals and 10 assists. Tom Wilson has been a key contributor as well, tallying five goals and two assists over the past 10 games.
New Jersey’s Dawson Mercer has been consistent offensively with nine goals and six assists, while Simon Nemec has powered the Devils with four goals and four assists in his last 10 games.
**LAST 10 GAMES:**
– Capitals: 3-6-1 record, averaging 2.8 goals and 4.4 assists per game. The team incurs 5.4 penalties resulting in 13.6 penalty minutes while allowing 2.8 goals against per contest.
– Devils: 6-3-1 record, averaging 2.9 goals and 4.4 assists per game. They take fewer penalties with 2.8 per game and 5.9 penalty minutes, though they allow 3.1 goals against per game.
**INJURIES:**
Both teams have no listed injuries heading into this matchup.
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Stay tuned for an exciting game as these Metropolitan Division rivals face off Saturday night at 7 p.m. EST.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/devils-visit-capitals-nemecs-hat-091042188.html
