Full Breakdown
Preseason Showdown: New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators
9/28/2025, 11:16:14 PM
Overview of the Preseason Matches
On September 28, 2025, the New Jersey Devils will engage in a split-squad preseason schedule, facing the Washington Capitals at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and the Ottawa Senators in Quebec City. Both games are set to start at 3:00 PM ET. The Devils enter the day with a 2-1-0 record, while the Capitals boast an undefeated 2-0-0 record, and the Senators are 1-1-0.
Recent Performance and Key Players
The Devils recently suffered a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers but bounced back with two victories against the New York Islanders, winning 6-2 at home and 4-2 on the road. Arseny Gritsyuk has emerged as a standout player, leading the team with three points, alongside Brian Halonen. The Devils' scoring has been well-distributed, with 17 different skaters contributing points thus far. Defensively, Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec have shown promise, with Nemec holding a +3 rating.
Conversely, the Capitals have opened their preseason with impressive wins against the Boston Bruins (5-2) and the Philadelphia Flyers (5-1). Young forwards Sonny Milano and Hendrix Lapierre have been particularly effective, each recording six points in two games. Captain Alex Ovechkin is day-to-day with a lower-body injury but participated in practice in a non-contact jersey, indicating progress toward returning to game action.
Significance of the Games
These preseason matchups are crucial as teams begin to finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. The Devils are looking to solidify their lineup, particularly with Gritsyuk's promising performance alongside established stars like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. For the Capitals, the focus is on integrating young talent while managing the health of veteran players like Ovechkin.
Official Statements & Responses
Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery expressed optimism regarding Ovechkin's recovery, stating, “Another step for him to get back to full practice and potentially play in exhibition games.” Meanwhile, the Devils are keen to maintain their momentum and continue evaluating their roster depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
What's Next
Following these games, the Capitals will travel to Columbus for their final road preseason game, while the Devils will continue to assess their lineup in preparation for the regular season. The outcomes of these matches will play a significant role in determining the final roster decisions for both teams.
