New Jersey vs Washington Prediction: We Don't Believe in Ovechkin's Team

Prediction for the NHL match, which will take place on October 26th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Last season, the Devils made tremendous strides, making it to the playoffs. They advanced past the first round and will certainly try to go further. Ruff's men won all seven preseason friendlies. Now, they are looking good for the regular season. In five games, the team failed only 4-3 to Florida and 4-3 in a shootout to Arizona. But they have also beaten Detroit 4-3, the Islanders 5-4, and Montreal 5-2 to move into sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Washington performs worse and worse with each new season. That's not surprising because all the team's leaders can't be compared to the younger lineups. Their salaries are still substantial, so the management can't start a global rebuild. The Capitals didn't make the playoffs last season, and now we can't expect them to get into the Cup battles. In five meetings, they won only once: over Calgary in the shootout - 3-2. Another point they got in the game against Montreal - 2-3 in overtime, and three times they lost in regulation. The day before, Alexander Ovechkin scored his first goal of the season.

New Jersey used to be an easy opponent for Washington. Still, as the season progressed, the Capitals started to lose the initiative. They won the last three friendlies and have a chance to extend the series. Lindy Ruff's team looks much more productive this season than the Reds and Blues. Moreover, Washington failed both away matches.

New Jersey likes some open and productive hockey in the debut. In five games, the team shot 37 pucks (7.40 on average). Washington has a weak defense, but their captain has finally started to wake up on offense.