Devils – Capitals projected lineups: A steady roster as a teammate steps away for a birth
When the projected lineups were released for devils – capitals, both clubs presented familiar rosters: the Devils will dress the same 18 skaters they used in a 6-3 win, while the Capitals plan to rely on the same skaters from a 4-1 victory — even as one forward remains away for the birth of his second child.
Who are the projected lineups for Devils – Capitals?
Answer: The announced forward groups and scratches for both teams are listed below exactly as provided.
New Jersey (projected forwards): Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Dawson Mercer; Jesper Bratt — Jack Hughes — Connor Brown; Arseny Gritsyuk — Cody Glass — Lenni Hameenaho; Paul Cotter — Nick Bjugstad — Maxim Tsyplakov. Scratched: Dennis Cholowski, Evgenii Dadonov. Injured: Stefan Noesen (knee), Zack MacEwen (ACL), Brett Pesce (lower body).
Washington (projected forwards): Anthony Beauvillier — Dylan Strome — Alex Ovechkin; Aleksei Protas — Pierre-Luc Dubois — Tom Wilson; Connor McMichael — Justin Sourdif — Ryan Leonard; Brandon Duhaime — Hendrix Lapierre — Ethen Frank. Scratched: David Kampf, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Declan Chisholm, Dylan McIlrath, Timothy Liljegren.
What did coaches say about keeping the same skaters?
Answer: Both teams signaled continuity. The Devils will dress the same 18 skaters they used in a 6-3 win at the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said he will use the same skaters from a 4-1 win against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday but may change up his lines. Carbery also said David Kampf’s visa issues have been resolved, but the forward remains away from the team for the birth of his second child.
What do the scratches and injuries mean for the matchup?
Answer: Available personnel reflect a mix of healthy scratches and sidelined players. The Devils list Dennis Cholowski and Evgenii Dadonov as scratched, and they identify Stefan Noesen (knee), Zack MacEwen (ACL) and Brett Pesce (lower body) as injured. The Capitals list five scratched players: David Kampf, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Declan Chisholm, Dylan McIlrath and Timothy Liljegren; Kampf’s absence is noted as related to the birth of his second child although his visa matters have been resolved, per Carbery.
The projected rosters present a snapshot of two teams choosing stability for the game: one side dressing the identical 18 skaters from a recent high-scoring win, the other keeping the same group that earned a midweek victory while acknowledging potential line adjustments. Spencer Carbery’s remarks about resolved visa issues and a teammate away for family reasons add a human layer to the otherwise technical roster lists.
As the night approaches, the rosters will read the same on the scoresheet for devils – capitals, but the absence of a teammate for a new birth and the catalogue of scratched and injured players are reminders that every projected lineup carries both strategy and personal circumstance.
