Game Preview #69: New Jersey Devils @ Washington Capitals
On Wednesday night time, the Devils defeated the Rangers by a score of 6-3 in New York. No, that is not a typo. The Devils did defeat the Rangers 6-3 again on March seventh, and so they beat them once more by the identical rating on March 18th. That’s 12 objectives, of their final 2 video games in opposition to the Rangers. Yes, the Rangers are terrible (nonetheless useless final within the East as of three/18), however beating the Rangers by no means will get outdated. Ever. Jack Hughes and Connor Brown every had a 3 level night time, with a purpose and a couple of assists for every of them. Even Jesper Bratt had a purpose, giving him objectives in again to again video games for the primary time since….checks notes….January twenty seventh and twenty ninth. Sheldon Keefe continued his new discovered obsession with Jacob Markstrom. The goalie obtained the beginning (and win) in internet for the Devils, his ninth begin within the final 10 video games for the Devils. I’m guessing that Keefe thinks this group nonetheless has a shot on the playoffs, and goes to journey him till they’re mathematically eradicated.
The Capitals additionally performed on Wednesday night time defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1, keeping their slim (but better than the Devils) playoff hopes alive. The groups went scoreless within the first interval earlier than 40 12 months outdated Alex Ovechkin obtained the Caps on the board together with his twenty fifth purpose of the season (his 922nd purpose of his profession). Everyone’s “favorite” participant Tom “that’s totally a clean hit bro, you just don’t like him because he’s not on your team” Wilson added his twenty fifth purpose of the season within the 2nd interval as nicely. Ottawa obtained to inside 1 purpose at 17:19 of the third interval, however Washington sealed the victory with 2 empty internet objectives. Yes, you learn that proper. Two. Empty internet objectives. The win places Washington 6 factors out of the ultimate 2 wild card spots, however each groups (Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings) have a sport in hand on Washington, so…good luck Caps!
Injuries, Roster for Tonight, Yada, Yada, Yada.
Have I discussed earlier than immediately, that that is the roster the Devils will proceed to run for the rest of the season barring any new accidents? I did? Ok, sorry. Just checking. I suppose that I’ve additionally talked about that Keefe has an unhealthy obsession with Jacob Markstrom too? Sorry, simply checking on that one as nicely. Perhaps if the roster was wholesome all season, they may be within the combine, however who is aware of. I actually do not get the just about refusal to play Allen at this level, however I’m guessing as soon as they’re formally eradicated, he would possibly get some extra video games. Until then, holding operating Markstrom on the market Sheldon!
Grimace’s Prediction and 2025-2026 Record Tracker
Grimace was in a position to have a great chortle once I went to go to him yesterday. I confirmed him the e-mail I acquired from the Devils ticket consultant that each known as AND emailed me yesterday. He had a close to match of hysteria once I confirmed him that I higher make a deposit now “to secure my seats” for 2026-2027!
Grimace’s 2025-2026 Season Prediction file presently stands at 13-14-0.
There’s nothing fairly like the joy of a mid-March NHL sport. Teams are preventing for playoff place, attempting to construct momentum heading into the submit season. It all carries such anticipation that possibly this 12 months, your group could possibly be subsequent. And then there’s this matchup, between 2 non-playoff sure groups. Nothing says snooze fest like two groups presently sitting out of a playoff spot, taking part in for a….paycheck I suppose, in mid-March, simply going by way of the motions, ready for tee instances. Enjoy! Feel free to go away your ideas and feedback beneath and thanks for studying!
In a shameless little bit of non hockey associated self promotion (permitted by Chris – thanks Chris), I wished to plug my model new podcast on right here, if any of you have an interest in listening. We have a lightweight hearted, enjoyable dialogue about any motion pictures, music or video video games largely from the Nineteen Eighties and Nineties. Please be happy to hearken to us on any of the codecs beneath and any suggestions is welcome (optimistic and unfavourable). Also, please observe us and subscribe, even should you assume we stink. 🙂
