New Jersey Devils (19-14-2) vs. Washington Capitals (17-11-6)
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals 1/3/24 – NHL enthusiasts will get an early treat this year when New Jersey Devils face Washington Capitals in a matchup on Wednesday. Both teams have displayed both victories and challenges throughout their regular seasons, making this clash an important one. As fans prepare themselves, they eagerly seek best NHL picks and tips ahead of this exciting matchup.
The New Jersey Devils, well-known for their aggressive offensive strategies, have proven a formidable opponent this season. Center Jack Hughes has led them with 44 points – 15 goals and 29 assists – leading his teammates Jesper Bratt (43 points) and Tyler Toffoli (27 points) in forming an efficient offensive unit. Their ability to find the back of the net against a Capitals defense which has proven unpredictable could be critical against Washington. Taking advantage of power plays and maintaining high shooting percentage could determine this matchup’s outcome
The Washington Capitals have their own offensive arsenal as well. Left Wing Alex Ovechkin remains a threat despite having a lower-than-usual shooting percentage, while Dylan Strome and John Carlson have made major contributions. Strome’s 21 points combined with Carlson’s defensive prowess combined with his goal assist capabilities creates a dynamic offense; goaltender Vitek Vanecek of the Devils must stay alert against this offensive strategy.
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals 1/3/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Capital One Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek vs. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper
Devils netminder Vitek Vanecek faces his former team for the second time this year. Vanecek sports a mediocre 3.35 GAA through 23 contests. If he can channel some strong performances against Washington while with the Capitals over the past three seasons, he could stymy his old mates. The Caps offense presents challenges, but Vanecek knows many of their strengths and weaknesses. He’ll need to be sharp for New Jersey to grab two points on the road.
Darcy Kuemper has been up-and-down during his first season minding the net in Washington. His 3.16 GAA leaves much to be desired for a Cup contender. Kuemper can still steal games when on top of his game, but he hasn’t shown elite consistency this season. The Devils young scorers won’t make life easy on the veteran netminder. Kuemper will need to bring his “A” game to match Vanecek save for save.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be determined, bettors are advised to closely monitor the lines as they are released. The odds will likely reflect the closely matched nature of these teams, and insights will be crucial for those looking to place informed bets.
New Jersey Devils Betting Trends
The Devils have been playing their best hockey of the season over the past couple of weeks. They’ve won four of five despite going just 2-3 against the number over that stretch. Jersey has had no trouble scoring goals and pushing games Over the total. Expect that trend to continue against Washington’s porous defense.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
It’s been a middling stretch for the Capitals as they’ve scuffled to a 2-3 record in their last five contests. Washington has struggled versus the number at Capital One Arena all season, posting a money-burning 7-10 mark on home ice. The Under has also been a more frequent result for Caps games lately.
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals 1/3/24 Betting Picks
In conclusion, this game presents a closely contested battle, with each team having strengths that can counter the other’s weaknesses. The Devils’ offensive firepower against the Capitals’ experienced goaltending and defense is a key matchup to watch. For bettors, keeping an eye on the evolving odds and considering the recent OVER trends for both teams could be crucial.
When making a final pick, it seems the Devils, with their recent form and offensive prowess, might have a slight edge. However, the Capitals’ home advantage and goaltending could level the playing field. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially the key offensive players from both teams, might offer interesting opportunities. The over/under bets should be considered with the recent trends in mind. For those seeking premium tips and predictions, it’s advisable to wait for the final odds and consider the goaltender matchup and recent team trends before placing bets.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Jersey Devils 3, Washington Capitals 2