Washington Capitals - The Caps are the top team the Devils should root for. The most obvious reason is because they are playing the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Every Devils fan would love to watch the Rangers get knocked out early. It would almost make up for them knocking the Devils out of playoff contention. Just for that, Lets go Caps! Now for real.

May 2, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with Capitals right wing Joel Ward (42) after the Capitals defeated the New York Rangers in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New York Islanders - Let’s be honest, the Islanders are not a rival of the Devils. The Isles have not made the playoffs since 2007 and have been irrelevant in the Atlantic Division ever since. The New York Mets of the hockey world cannot be hated because of their recent history and how poorly they have played. Besides, if the Devils moved or did not exist, I believe the majority of Devils fans would be Islanders fans over the Rangers. Also, they are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins who are bigger rivals in my opinion. But the Isles have a very slim chance at beating the Pens, especially with Crosby back. Who does not like rooting for the underdog?

Ottawa Senators - The final team, the Senators, have had a rocky season to say the least. After losing Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, and goaltender Craig Anderson to injuries the Senators had everything going against them. All but Spezza have returned to the Senators lineup since then, but they were out for most of the season. Despite doubters, the Senators never lost hope at making the playoffs. Veterans like Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil, and Sergei Gonchar all stepped up to make that hope a reality. The Senators are in the midst of a series against the Montreal Canadiens and currently lead 1-0.

No matter who wins, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are always exciting. There have already been plenty of great hockey games played along with many more to come.

Jan 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) battles Washington Capitals center Marcus Johansson (90) for the loose puck during the second period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

First Place Draw: A victory today would give the Devils sole possession over first place in the Atlantic Division — again — over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams are tied with 24 points and with the Penguins idle, even an overtime loss would give New Jersey an advantage in the two-team race.

Beatin’ Up: It’s important for New Jersey to come away with another win against the last-place Capitals. After facing stiff competition for most of the season so far, this is a little bit of a lull in the Devils’ schedule. After today, New Jersey will return home to face the Winnipeg Jets (7-8-1) twice — on Sunday and Thursday. It’s essential that the Devils get these wins against middle-of-the-pack teams, because every other point is going to be difficult to come by.

Happy Birthday, Stefan Matteau: Devils rookie forward Stefan Matteau turns 19-years-old today and he’ll celebrate that milestone by playing against the Capitals. Just like on Thursday night, Matteau will skate along the third line for New Jersey with Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta in place of the injured Ryan Carter.

Hedberg Redemption: After his only bad start of the season — a 5-1 loss to the New York Islanders last Saturday night — goalie Johan Hedberg will be back between the pipes for New Jersey today. Before his last start, Hedberg had allowed just two goals in three starts. Even now, he is 2-1-1 with 1.71 goals-against-average with one shutout, but he’ll look to improve all of those numbers against Washington.