The Washington Capitals returned to action after a three-day holiday break with a morning skate at Prudential Center, preparing for a crucial matchup against the New Jersey Devils. Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the need to quickly regain form amid a tight Eastern Conference race. Both teams face a demanding schedule ahead.
The Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils resumed NHL play on this late December Saturday, the first day after the league's annual three-day holiday break. The Capitals flew from Dulles to New Jersey early in the day and held their morning skate at Prudential Center, their first team practice since a 7-3 loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
Caps coach Spencer Carbery noted the session was extended slightly to address rust. "We went a little bit longer," Carbery said. "We did a couple of extra things just to shake off the rust a little bit, handle a few more pucks for guys in different situations." He added that while a full intense practice isn't feasible after the break, the extra time helps simulate game conditions. Carbery also discussed the challenges of traveling on game day, a necessity for visiting teams, but stressed it's similar for everyone. "It's just about who can get back up to speed and get themselves into game mode," he said, highlighting the importance of the matchup against a direct conference rival.
Defenseman John Carlson echoed the sentiment, acknowledging early-game adjustments. "You’re probably not going to feel like your best self, especially right away, early on in the game," Carlson said, but noted the pre-game skate provides time to adapt.
Washington enters seventh in the Eastern Conference after a 1-4-2 stretch in their last seven games. They face a grueling next 22 games in 41 nights leading to the Olympic break, starting with four contests against teams just behind them in the standings. Logan Thompson is set to start in goal for the Capitals, with a strong record in rested appearances. Jake Allen will tend net for the Devils.
Lineups for both teams were confirmed, featuring Alex Ovechkin on the top line for Washington and Nico Hischier centering New Jersey's first unit. Meanwhile, six Capitals prospects are competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, including Cole Hutson, who recorded two assists in Team USA's 6-3 win over Germany.
