Washington Capitals host New Jersey Devils in tight NHL clash at Capital One Arena

NHL action returns to Washington

On Saturday, 17 October 2026, the NHL regular season continues with the Washington Capitals playing host to the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena in Washington. The puck drops at 17:00 UTC for what promises to be an intriguing match-up between two closely matched sides. Both teams sit mid-table in the standings, making this an important game as they seek to climb higher in the league rankings.

Standings and recent form

The Capitals currently occupy eighth place in the NHL standings, having played seven matches. They have won four and lost three, accumulating eight points and boasting a positive goal difference of +2, with 24 goals scored and 22 conceded. Meanwhile, the Devils are only one spot below in ninth, also with eight points from four wins and three losses. Their goal difference stands level at zero, having scored 23 and conceded 23 goals.

In terms of recent form, Washington have won three of their last five games. They secured home victories against the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 on 14 October, the New York Rangers 3-1 on 9 October, and the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on 7 October, while suffering losses away to the Carolina Hurricanes 2-4 and at home versus the Seattle Kraken 3-5.

The Devils have also won three of their past five, including a commanding 7-1 home win over the New York Rangers on 15 October and a narrow 5-4 away victory against the Detroit Red Wings on 13 October. They also beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 at home on 10 October but lost to the Ottawa Senators 1-4 at home on 12 October and to the Utah Mammoth 3-5 at home on 6 October. Both teams showcase strong attacking performances, with the Devils averaging four goals per game in their recent matches, slightly higher than the Capitals’ 3.6 goals per game.

Head-to-head history

These two sides have met twice in the current NHL season, each winning once. The Capitals won their home fixture on 20 March 2026 by a tight 2-1 scoreline. However, in the reverse fixture on 2 April 2026 at New Jersey, the Devils triumphed emphatically with a 7-3 victory. Across both meetings, 13 goals were scored, indicating the potential for an open, attacking game this weekend.

Broadcast information

Fans in the United States can catch the match live on NHL Net, MNMT, and MSGSN. Coverage will bring the excitement of this close contest directly into homes, allowing supporters to follow every moment from the Capital One Arena.

Where the teams stand

Recent form

Head-to-head