Caps Morning Skate Highlights: News and Notes
Tonight marks the first of four matchups this season between the Washington Capitals and the New Jersey Devils. These two Metro Division rivals have not faced each other in nearly a year. Their last encounter occurred on November 30, 2024.
Key Player Updates
Both teams may be missing significant players for this evening’s game. New Jersey center Jack Hughes has already been ruled out due to a hand injury unrelated to hockey. Meanwhile, Capitals defenseman John Carlson did not participate in morning skate, putting his presence in doubt as a game-time decision.
Player Statistics
- Jack Hughes: 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 17 games this season
- John Carlson: 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) in 17 games; 1,105 career NHL games played
Hughes is also the Devils’ leading scorer and is expected to miss eight weeks of action due to surgery on his finger. This timeline suggests he could return just ahead of the 2026 Olympic Games.
Younger Talent Rising
Despite being viewed as an older team, the Capitals have a mix of veterans and young talent. Players like Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson continue to contribute, while younger players such as Justin Sourdif and Ryan Leonard are making noticeable progress.
Recent Performances
In a recent game against the Florida Panthers, Sourdif scored shortly after the third period began, helping the Capitals close the gap. Leonard also made an impact with several significant plays. Both players have appeared in all 17 games so far this season but have had fluctuating ice time.
Head Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the importance of player development, particularly for younger athletes. He noted that while some players adapt quickly, others take longer to find their roles.
Nic Dowd’s Milestone
Tonight will also be notable for Nic Dowd, who skates in his 600th NHL game. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL Draft, he is just the eighth player from that round to reach this milestone.
- Dowd signed with the Capitals following their 2018 Stanley Cup victory.
- His role evolved under Coach Peter Laviolette, who increased his ice time and responsibilities.
- Last season, Dowd achieved career highs in goals, points, and games played.
Defensive Changes in New Jersey
New Jersey will feature a trio of former Capitals on their defense, including:
- Jonas Siegenthaler: Part of New Jersey’s first pair
- Brenden Dillon: A veteran defenseman approaching 1,000 NHL games
- Dennis Cholowski: Briefly played for the Capitals before returning to the Kraken
Goaltender Matchup
Logan Thompson will start in net for the Capitals, looking to improve on a record of 2-0-2 against the Devils. His career numbers show a 3.60 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage against them.
On the opposite side, Jacob Markstrom is expected to start for the Devils. He holds a 5-2-1 record this season, with a 3.67 GAA and an .870 save percentage.
Projected Lineups
Here’s how both teams might line up tonight:
| Team | Forwards | Defensemen | Goalies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | Beauvillier, Strome, Leonard; Lapierre, McMichael, Ovechkin; Protas, Sourdif, Wilson; Duhaime, Dowd, Frank | Chychrun, Roy; Sandin, Chisholm; Fehervary, van Riemsdyk | Thompson |
| New Jersey Devils | Meier, Hischier, Gritsyuk; Palat, Mercer, Bratt; Lammikko, Cotter, Noesen; Lachance, Glendening, Legare | Siegenthaler, Nemec; Dillon, Hughes; Cholowski, White | Markstrom |
The Capitals aim to improve their current standings in the league, and this game against the Devils will be a significant test as they navigate player injuries and build consistency among their young roster.
