New Jersey at Washington

The time is now for the Capitals to host New Jersey. The Devils have the best record in the Metropolitan Division, while the Capitals own the worst mark in the division. The Capitals come home following a 1-3 road trip that concluded with a 6-3 loss to the Panthers two days ago. Washington will play seven of its next eight games at home. They first draw the Devils, who are dealing with a key injury. Forward Jack Hughes, who leads New Jersey in goals and points, is out with a non-hockey-related hand injury. The Devils defeated the Blackhawks, 4-3 in overtime, three days ago in Chicago. New Jersey, though, suffered a couple more injuries in that game as Cody Glass and Zack MacEwen left in the first period. MacEwen has been placed on IR. Despite its troubles, Washington gives up the fifth-fewest goals in the NHL at 2.6. The Devils surrender an average of 2.9  goals per game. The projected goalies are Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey and Logan Thompson for Washington. Markstrom has an .870 save percentage and a 3.67 goals-against average on 207 shots with a minus 5.7 goals saved above average. Thompson has been brilliant, boasting a .923 save percentage and a 1.85 goals-against average on 287 shots, resulting in 7.6 goals saved above average. Take the Capitals.