Preview: Capitals Visit Devils in Key Metropolitan Division Matchup NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — Two Metropolitan Division teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Washington Capitals visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. The Devils (20-17-0) enter with a slim one-point edge over the Capitals (19-18-0) in the standings. New Jersey has earned points in three of its last four games (2-1-1), including a 2-1 shootout win in Vegas on Dec. 17. The Devils are coming off a narrow 2-1 road loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday, where defenseman Brett Pesce scored the lone goal and registered a team-high five shots and four hits. Washington, meanwhile, is mired in a slump, having lost five of its last six games (1-5-0) and coming off a 7-3 home defeat to the New York Rangers on Tuesday. The Capitals have been outscored 25-9 during this rough stretch, which includes back-to-back losses to Detroit last weekend. A player to watch for the Capitals is forward Aliaksei Protas, who has been a rare bright spot. He has points in three of his last five games, including a goal and an assist in the loss to the Rangers. Over his last 10 contests, Protas has four goals and two assists while playing a physical game. For New Jersey, Pesce has emerged as an offensive contributor from the blue line. The defenseman has a goal in two of his last four games and leads the team’s defensemen in shots during that span while delivering consistent physical play. The Devils won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 3-2 shootout victory in Washington on Nov. 15. Both teams face a compact schedule. Following Saturday’s game, the Capitals travel to face the Florida Panthers on Monday. The Devils embark on a two-game road trip to Toronto and Columbus starting Tuesday. Puck drop is set for 7:08 p.m. EST.