NEW JERSEY DEVILS (36-26-6) LOOK TO REBOUND AS THEY FACE DESPERATE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (31-27-8) IN HIGH-STAKES MATCHUP AT NATIONWIDE ARENA
The New Jersey Devils hit the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in a critical game for both teams’ playoff aspirations. The Devils, currently holding the third spot in the Metropolitan Division, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are desperately trying to climb back into the Wild Card race as they sit outside the playoff picture, making this a must-win game for Columbus. Tonight’s contest is presented by Cuttler Produce.
WATCH & LISTEN
- TV: MSGSN
- RADIO: Devils Hockey Network
GAME-DAY VIDEO
- Devils Minute: Coming Soon!
- Pre-Game Player Interviews: Meier | Dillon
- Pre-Game Interview with Sheldon Keefe
MORNING SKATE RECAP
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Devils held a full morning skate at Nationwide Arena, with all players participating. The team’s line combinations appeared to shift slightly as forward Erik Haula re-entered the lineup, replacing Daniel Sprong. Head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed confidence in Haula’s return, noting that he had been playing well before his temporary absence.
Keefe also confirmed that Jake Allen will start in goal, with the team confident in his abilities to provide solid netminding. “Jake will be ready tonight, and we believe he can give us a chance to win,” Keefe said. “It’s a luxury for us to have him ready to go as we continue to develop Jacob Markstrom’s game.”
Despite their recent 7-3 loss to the Penguins, the Devils are still in a strong position with 14 games left in the regular season. Keefe took the opportunity to remind his team of the level of intensity needed to succeed in the playoff push.
PLAYOFF POSITIONING AND THE ROAD AHEAD
The Devils and Blue Jackets are both vying for playoff spots, with the Devils aiming to maintain their current third-place standing in the Metro Division. A win tonight could widen the gap between them and the Blue Jackets, who are currently on the outside looking in at the Wild Card race. New Jersey holds an eight-point lead over Columbus and a six-point advantage over the New York Rangers, making tonight’s game a pivotal moment in the stretch run to the playoffs.
“We need to come with the right mindset,” said forward Timo Meier. “We didn’t do that last game, and we need to make sure we’re focused in all three zones tonight.” The Devils beat the Blue Jackets 5-3 in their last encounter just a week ago, and Meier stressed the importance of replicating their strong start from that game.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, will be playing with desperation as they try to claw their way back into contention. “They’re already playing playoff hockey,” said defenseman Brenden Dillon. “We expect their best tonight, and it’s going to be a tough, physical game.”
KEY MATCHUP AND WHO TO WATCH
This game features star players from both teams. For the Devils, Jesper Bratt has been the standout in the absence of Jack Hughes, with 79 points on the season and an incredible 60 assists—tying the franchise record for most assists in a single season. Nico Hischier leads the team in goals with 28, and both Timo Meier and Stefan Noesen are closing in on 20-goal seasons.
The Blue Jackets are led offensively by Zach Werenski, who has tallied 69 points this season. His 49 assists are a testament to his playmaking abilities, and he’s one of the top-scoring defensemen in the NHL. Columbus also boasts five 20-goal scorers, including Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, and Kent Johnson, all of whom will be looking to make an impact.
WHO’S HOT
- Devils: Jesper Bratt has been on fire, tallying nine points (2g-7a) in his last three games, including three consecutive three-point efforts.
- Blue Jackets: Adam Fantilli has been heating up as well, recording 10 points (6g-4a) in his last 10 games, including a hat trick against the Rangers on March 8.
INJURIES
- Devils: Jack Hughes (shoulder, LTIR), Jonas Siegenthaler (undisclosed, LTIR), Dougie Hamilton (undisclosed, week-to-week)
- Blue Jackets: Erik Gudbranson (shoulder, IR), Sean Monahan (upper-body, IR), Jonathan Lebanc (shoulder, IR), Cole Sillinger (upper-body, IR)
REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS
- Dec. 19 at Columbus: 4-2 loss
- March 11 vs. Columbus: 5-3 win
- March 17 at Columbus: Tonight’s game
STATS LEADERS
- DEVILS
- Goals: Nico Hischier, 28
- Assists: Jesper Bratt, 60
- Points: Jesper Bratt, 79
- BLUE JACKETS
- Goals: Kirill Marchenko, 25
- Assists: Zach Werenski, 49
- Points: Zach Werenski, 69
GAME NOTES
Tonight marks the third and final meeting between the Devils and Blue Jackets this season, with each team having won once in their previous encounters. Jesper Bratt leads the Devils in series scoring with four points (2g-2a), while Timo Meier has two goals against Columbus this year. For the Blue Jackets, Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, and Sean Monahan are among the key players to watch in this crucial matchup.
The Devils will look to extend their playoff position while the Blue Jackets, now shut out in their last two games, will need to find offensive spark to keep their playoff hopes alive. The action promises to be intense, physical, and packed with playoff implications.
