[Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)] NHL Analysis Devils @ Capitals Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Devils @ Capitals (Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Devils @ Capitals

Devils projected starting goalie: Jake Allen @ Capitals projected starting goalie: Logan Thompson

New Jersey owns the 5v5 edge this season, while Washington owns the goaltending edge. Which of the two matters more decides this game.

Blending in last season because it's early, 5v5 xG% is 50.8 for the Devils and 49.5 for the Capitals, a gap of just 1.3 points. This season alone it's 61.3 to 48.8. Both teams are 4-3 through seven games. The Devils' goal difference is 23-23 and the Capitals' is 24-22. The Devils' power play is at 36.4%, the Capitals' at 9.1%.

In goal, Allen has a .907 SV% and +7.2 GSAx in 19 road games over the last two seasons. This season he is .885 and -1.9 GSAx, with -2.2 over his last five. Thompson has a .916 SV% and +30.1 GSAx in 36 home games, and this season is .904 with +2.6 GSAx.

The Devils have won two straight, including 7-1 over the Rangers on Oct. 16. The Capitals have won one straight, 5-4 over Montreal. New Jersey won the last meeting 7-3.

Both goalies are projected, not confirmed. If Nico Daws starts, he is at .857 and -3.1 GSAx this season. If Charlie Lindgren starts, he is at -2.7 GSAx at home.

In summary, it's a question of whether New Jersey's 5v5 edge and power play can outweigh Washington's home goaltending. Thompson's work at even strength is the key.