Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals Prediction - March 20, 2026
The New Jersey Devils travel to the nation's capital to face the Washington Capitals on March 20, 2026, in what shapes up as a competitive matchup between two teams riding positive momentum.
Team Form & Recent Performance
Both the Devils and Capitals come into this contest with identical recent records: 3 wins in their last 5 games. The Devils hold a 7-3-0 mark over their recent stretch, while the Capitals sit at 5-4-1. Both teams are enjoying relatively healthy schedules with one day of rest between their last outing and this matchup, meaning neither squad enters this Devils vs Capitals prediction with fatigue concerns. Neither team is playing a back-to-back, so expect both sides to bring full energy to the ice.
The Devils have demonstrated consistency in their play, whereas the Capitals' record reflects slightly more volatility—the extra loss and overtime setback suggest Washington has had some tighter contests. This marginal difference in recent performance gives New Jersey a slight edge in terms of overall momentum heading into the Devils Capitals pick.
This is where the Devils vs Capitals prediction becomes truly revealing.
This 9.4-point advantage means New Jersey is controlling play and generating significantly more shot attempts at even strength.
Goalie Matchup
Jespер Markstrom takes the net for New Jersey, carrying a 21-16-1 record into this contest. His .914 save percentage places him in the middle tier of league starters. Washington counters with Logan Thompson, whose 23-19-5 record is slightly better, though Thompson's underlying save percentage is comparable.
Prediction
According to WP Hockey Predictor, the New Jersey Devils are favored to win this matchup with a Confident confidence tier, compared to Washington.
When you combine superior possession control with Markstrom's expected performance and the team's recent three-win stretch, New Jersey enters this game as a light favorite.
For anytime goalscorer picks, monitor Cody Glass for New Jersey and Tom Wilson for Washington as premium scoring threats.
Run your own prediction with WP Hockey Predictor's calculator to see how different variables impact this matchup.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.