New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals Picks and Prediction for Saturday November 14 2026

New Jersey heads to Washington Saturday night for a 7 PM ET game at Capital One Arena. These teams just played Thursday in Newark, and the Devils won 5-2. That game was in New Jersey and may not have been the most impressive showing for the Capitals. Now, the Capitals will be protecting their home ice and that could make a difference in the game. Make sure you are ready for the NHL season with our free NHL picks.

New Jersey Has Been Getting the Job Done

The Devils are 14-6-0 overall and have won eight of their last ten games. Thursday’s 5-2 victory over Washington was a good response after losing 4-2 to Winnipeg on Tuesday. The Devils were able to score early in the win against Washington and never really looked back in the game. Yes, the Capitals did bring some pressure to the game, but the Devils proved that they are able to stand up to a strong pressure if needed.  

New Jersey is finding the back of the net to a tune of 3.65 goals per game. Unlike some of the teams that the defense collapses under a strong offense the Devils are allowing 2.85 goals per game. . The Devils are putting up 32.8 shots a night. The really funny part is the fact that the Devils defense is only giving up 25.0 shots per game. The Devils power play is converting 18.8%, which is decent without being anything to write home about. The big issue is the penalty kill that has only killed off 65.1% of the power plays the Devils have faced. 

The Devils have been playing decent on the season so far on the offensive side of the puck. However, even with the lower number of goals allowed per game the Devils are a team that has had some injuries they are having to cope with. That could impact the game here, but overall it will not be that much of an impact as the Devils are still playing at a high level offensively. 

Washington Needs a Better Defensive Effort

The Capitals are 10-7-0 overall after Thursday’s loss in New Jersey. Prior to the loss the Capitals had won two straight before that, beating Ottawa 3-2 in overtime Tuesday and getting another victory earlier in the week. Washington has been competitive, but Thursday was not the day that the Capitals showed up on the ice. The downside is the Capitals were unable to show up on the ice early in the game and fell behind early which cost the Capitals the game. 

Washington is coming to the game here with 3.41 goals per game scored. The defense for the Capitals is allowing the same number. The Capitals have been able to generate 27.2 shots a night and the defense is allowing 27.8. Their power play for Washington is converting 19.6%, while the penalty kill is operating at 77.2%. 

Washington has been dealing with injuries to Rasmus Sandin and Vincent Desharnais, both of whom were unavailable Thursday. Those injuries are ones that can impact the team, but still does not help to explain why the Capitals fell behind so early in the game. 

New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals Picks and Prediction

Pick: New Jersey Devils Moneyline

I’m taking New Jersey again. The Devils just beat Washington 5-2, and I don’t see much reason to change sides two days later. New Jersey is scoring more, allowing fewer goals and generating considerably more shots than the Capitals. Washington will have home ice this time, and that could help. The Capitals also have a decent power play, which is important against New Jersey’s weak penalty kill. That’s the biggest concern for me. But at even strength, the Devils have been the better team. They control the puck, create more chances and have been winning consistently. I’ll stick with New Jersey.

Total Pick: Over 5.5 Goals

I’d take the over at 5.5. These teams combined for seven goals Thursday, and both have enough offense to do it again. New Jersey averages 3.65 goals, Washington 3.41, and neither penalty kill has been particularly dependable. The Devils are killing only about 65% of opposing power plays, which is a pretty big problem against a team with Washington’s offensive ability. The concern is that rematches can tighten up. Washington might play a more careful game after Thursday’s loss, and New Jersey could be content to protect a lead. But at 5.5, I like the chances of both teams contributing enough to get over.

Final Picks: New Jersey Devils Moneyline and Over 5.5 Goals