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Top 3 key Capitals to watch against NJ Devils

Here are 3 key Washington Capitals players to keep an eye out for tonight

By Michael Marzzacco |
John Carlson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
John Carlson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Washington Capitals take on the New Jersey Devils tonight at 7 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network. Before we get to the top 3 players to watch here is latest betting odds from Caesars Sportsbook.

The Capitals vs Devils betting odds on Caesars have the Caps as 1.5 point underdogs on the road with +158 moneyline odds. The Devils are favored to win at -190 and the game is set for an over/under of 6.0 goals.

Now here are the top 3 players to watch:

#3 John Carlson

John Carlson extended his season opening point streak to three games with an assist on Oct. 17 against Dallas. He's got a goal and three assists for four points. With the assist, Carlson passed former Capital Kevin Hatcher (677) for the ninth most points by an American born defenseman in NHL history.

Carlson is tied with Dylan Strome for the team lead in points and ranks first on the Caps in average ice time. He's in his 16th season with the Caps and is the franchise's all time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points among defensemen.

Carlson is 22 points shy of 700 career points which is a feat achieved by only 29 defensemen in NHL history.

Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

#2 Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson extended his season opening goal streak to three games with a goal the other night in the win over the Dallas Stars. It marks Wilson's first goal streak of three or more games since April 8-13, 2023. With a goal on Saturday at New Jersey, Wilson would match the franchise record for longest season opening goal streak per Ryan Billie.

Wilson would pass the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Mike Gartner, and Dennis Maruk. Wilson has recorded two streaks of four or more games in his career. He will suit up for his 758th career game tonight which will tie him with Mike Gartner for the ninth most games played in franchise history.

Wilson has recorded 24 points with seven goals and 17 assists in 43 career games against the Devils which is the most points he has against a single opponent.

In 2018 Wilson had a point streak from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2 with seven goals, of course we also remember 2023 when he had four goals in four games. Tonight we could see more history from number 43.

Which brings us to number one and shocker it's not Alex Ovechkin. Not for today's preview at least.

Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

#1 Dylan Strome

Dylan Strome notched his second goal of the season in the win over Dallas extending his season opening point streak to three games. He's ranked tied for first on the Caps in points with four through three games as he has two goals and two assists. Last year, Strome didn't record a point until Washington's fourth game of the season but still finished as the team's points leader.

Strome led the Caps in points last season and became the first player other than Alex Ovechkin to finish an 82 game season as Washington's points leader since Nicklas Backstrom in 2016-17. Strome established single season career highs in goals, points, and games played for the second straight season and reached the 40 assist mark for the second time in his career.

Strome led the Caps in points, even strength goals, and overtime goals while ranked tied for first in game winning goals, second in assists and power play points. Since joining the Caps ahead of the 2022-23 season, Strome ranks first on the Caps in games played and assists and second in goals and points.

Puck drop tonight is at 7 p.m. and you can catch the game on Monumental Sports Network.

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