New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals prediction & odds

The upcoming NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the New Jersey Devils is set to take place at Capital One Arena on November 15, 2026. This matchup is particularly intriguing as both teams are currently tied in their series at 1-1, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to their meeting.

In their recent form, the Capitals have struggled, recording a 2-3 record in their last five games. They faced a tough loss against the Devils just two days prior, falling 5-2. Prior to that, they managed two wins against the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators, but also suffered defeats against the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars. Over their last ten games, the Capitals have averaged 3.0 goals scored per game while allowing 4.2 goals, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that the Devils may exploit.

Conversely, the New Jersey Devils have been in impressive form, with a record of 4-1 in their last five games. They recently secured victories against the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues, although they did drop a game to the Winnipeg Jets. The Devils are averaging 4.2 goals scored per game and allowing 2.8, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid defensive play.

The Capitals have averaged 3.4 goals scored at home but have also allowed an average of 3.6, which could be a concern against a high-scoring Devils team.

In terms of head-to-head meetings, the Capitals and Devils have split their last six encounters, with each team winning three games. Notably, the most recent matchup saw the Devils defeat the Capitals 5-2, which could give New Jersey a psychological edge entering this game. The previous meeting before that was a win for the Capitals at home, where they triumphed 4-2.

Injuries may play a significant role in this matchup. The Capitals will be without Rasmus Sandin and Vincent Desharnais, both on injured reserve due to knee and abdomen issues, respectively. The Devils will miss Vladislav Kolyachonok and Brett Pesce, both out due to illness, while Seamus Casey and Johnathan Kovacevic are on injured reserve with knee and ankle injuries. Additionally, Anthony Mantha of the Capitals is also on injured reserve with a neck injury. The absence of these players could impact the depth and performance of both teams.

As for the betting market, DraftKings has set the odds with the Devils favored at -135, while the Capitals are at +114 on the money line. The spread is set at 1.5, with a total of 6.5 goals for the game. The over is priced at -105, and the under at -115, reflecting expectations for a potentially high-scoring affair given the offensive capabilities of both teams.

Conditions for the game are expected to be standard for a November evening in Washington, D.C., which could influence play styles and strategies. Fans should watch for key players such as Alex Tuch, who leads the Capitals with 11 goals, and Jack Hughes, who leads the Devils with 10 goals and 27 points overall. The performance of these players could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this closely contested matchup.