The Washington Capitals (10-7-0) are back home for a rematch with the New Jersey Devils (14-6-0), looking to avenge their 5-2 loss in Newark just two nights earlier.
The Capitals will get another crack at one of the Metropolitan Division’s hottest teams after Thursday’s closely contested game slipped away in the third period. The Caps led 2-1 during the second period before surrendering four unanswered goals, including an empty-netter.
“We cannot give them odd man rush, free opportunities, breakaways,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said after the team’s morning skate on Saturday. “And then the other thing is through the neutral zone, especially with 86’s line, especially with Hischier’s line, is you have to be careful.”
The Devils have won six of their last seven games and 10 of their last 12, with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remaining an undefeated (6-0-0) since joining New Jersey.
“Offensively, I think we could do a little bit better job on Hellebuyck,” Carbery said. “We had a few second-chance opportunities, but we’ve got to get in there. We’ve got to make it difficult on him.”
Saturday’s optional morning skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex brought several notable developments, including a positive injury update, a change in the Caps goaltending plans, and some special visitors ahead of the team’s annual Mentors’ Trip.
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Vincent Desharnais returns to practice after appendix surgery
Vincent Desharnais took another significant step in his recovery Saturday morning, skating with his teammates for the first time since undergoing an appendectomy on October 23.
Both Desharnais and Rasmus Sandin, who is recovering from knee surgery in April, wore light blue non-contact jerseys, participating in the full morning skate and staying out for extra work. Sandin first began practicing again on Oct. 31.
“Yeah, it’s great. Positive steps,” Carbery said. “Sandy continues to get closer and closer, and now Vinny being on the ice with the guys is a good step.”
The 6-foot-7 defenseman has been sidelined for more than three weeks after undergoing the emergency procedure. He was initially expected to miss four to six weeks.
Desharnais made his first appearance back at the rink on November 2, watching the end of practice from the bench. He then resumed skating individually on November 9, ahead of the team’s road trip to Ottawa and New Jersey.
Charlie Lindgren to get start over Logan Thompson
Charlie Lindgren will get the nod in net for Washington against the Devils, marking just his second start of the season in a game that is not part of a back-to-back set.
Charlie Lindgren’s 2026–27 Season Stats
| GP | GS | W | L | OTL | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3.08 | .881 | 0 |
The start is a departure from how Spencer Carbery has typically utilized his two goaltenders this season, usually deploying Logan Thompson for the bulk of the workload when the team has a day or more of rest.
“I think with just the amount of games that LT’s played of late, felt like this was a good opportunity to get Chucky in, and Scott Murray and the goalie plan with how we find opportunities to get Chucky in the net,” Carbery said. “So this is the day it falls on.”
Thompson has started Washington’s last five games, while Lindgren has not appeared as the starter since October 29 against the Nashville Predators.
Capitals dads arrive for Mentors’ Trip
The Capitals also welcomed some special visitors Saturday, as players’ loved ones began arriving in Washington ahead of the team’s annual Mentors’ Trip. The trip officially begins Sunday, when Washington travels to Tampa ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Lightning, but several players’ mentors plan to go to Saturday’s game as well.
The annual tradition provides an opportunity for players to bring their dads and other important figures in their lives on the road, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the NHL experience.
The Capitals are scheduled to practice in Tampa on Monday afternoon before facing the Lightning the following night.
Projected lineups
Washington Capitals
New Jersey Devils
The Devils will also be monitoring Brett Pesce‘s status after he missed Thursday’s game due to illness. New Jersey recalled 20-year-old defenseman Anton Silaev from the Utica Comets on Friday following Johnathan Kovacevic‘s placement on injured reserve.
Fun factoids
- Saturday marks the third of four meetings between the Capitals and Devils this season. Washington won the first matchup 4-2 on October 17 before New Jersey responded with a 5-2 victory Thursday.
- Three players recalled from the AHL’s Utica Comets ahead of Thursday’s game — Lenni Hameenaho, Stefan Noesen, and Vladislav Kolyachonok — scored goals against Washington. Kolyachonok’s third-period tally proved to be the game-winner.
- The Capitals are 7-4-0 on home ice this season, while the Devils have won 10 of their last 12 overall.
- Exactly three years ago today, Lindgren stopped all 35 shots he faced as Washington defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights 3–0 at Capital One Arena. It was his first shutout as a Capital and third of his NHL career.
- On this day in Capitals history (November 14, 1979),the Caps named 26-year-old Gary Green its head coach, making him the youngest head coach in NHL history at the time.
Puck drop is set for 7 pm at Capital One Arena. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin will have the call on Monumental Sports Network.
