Game Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – A Pivotal Matchup in the Playoff Race
NEW JERSEY DEVILS (34-25-6) vs. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (31-24-8)
Tonight at Prudential Center – 7:00 PM ET
The New Jersey Devils will host the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in a crucial showdown that could have significant implications on the race for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. With both teams fighting for position in the Metropolitan Division and the Wild Card spots, tonight’s game is one that neither side can afford to lose.
Game Details:
- Watch on: MSGSN
- Listen on: Devils Hockey Network
Morning Skate Recap
The Devils held a spirited morning skate at the Prudential Center ahead of tonight’s important contest. The team remains focused as they prepare to take on the Blue Jackets in what will be the first of two meetings in just a few days.
Projected Lineup:
- Forwards:
- Palat – Mercer – Tatar
- Meier – Hischier – Noesen
- Haula – Glass – Bratt
- Cotter – Lazar – Bastian
- Defensemen:
- Hughes – Pesce
- Dumoulin – Kovacevic
- Dillon – Cholowski
- Goaltender:
- Markstrom (expected starter)
Lineup Adjustments:
The only change to the Devils’ lineup from Sunday’s 3-1 win over the Flyers is the insertion of Paul Cotter in place of Daniel Sprong. Sprong, along with Justin Dowling, Kurtis MacDermid, and defenseman Simon Nemec, will be scratched for this game. The coaching staff is particularly interested in continuing the strong play from the line combination of Haula, Glass, and Bratt, which showed promise in Philadelphia.
Coach Keefe is also keen on keeping momentum with the line of Tomas Tatar, Dawson Mercer, and Ondrej Palat. “I really like Tatar with Mercer and Palat when we were using that,” Keefe explained. “The pieces just fall into place the more you move them around.”
Playoff Implications:
With only a handful of games left in the regular season, every point is crucial for both the Devils and Blue Jackets as they battle for playoff spots. New Jersey currently holds the third spot in the Metro Division with 74 points in 65 games. However, the Blue Jackets are hot on their heels, just four points back with two fewer games played.
Tonight’s matchup is critical, as a win would give the Devils a bit of breathing room over Columbus, while a loss would bring the two teams even closer in the standings, making the race even more intense. As Jesper Bratt pointed out, “It’s a team that’s been chasing us for a little bit now. It’s up to us to start gaining some ground here and building some wins.”
Beyond Columbus, the New York Rangers are just six points behind New Jersey, and several other teams – Montreal, Detroit, and Boston – are also in the hunt with 66 points each. With such a tight race, the Devils need to continue playing at a high level to avoid being overtaken in the standings.
What to Expect from Columbus:
The Blue Jackets are an opportunistic team with a well-balanced roster. They boast five players with 20 or more goals, providing a multi-dimensional threat on offense. Their defensemen are also heavily involved in the attack, with star blueliner Zach Werenski leading the charge. Werenski’s impact on the ice cannot be understated – as Coach Keefe mentioned, “The game is a lot different when he’s on the ice for them, which is half the game.”
The Devils will need to be disciplined in their own end, ensuring they don’t give Columbus easy opportunities to capitalize on turnovers or defensive lapses. Columbus is capable of turning a game around quickly, so New Jersey must remain focused for all 60 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
With the playoffs hanging in the balance, tonight’s game between the New Jersey Devils and the Columbus Blue Jackets is a must-watch. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff hunt, and this contest could go a long way in determining which team moves closer to securing a postseason spot.
The Devils are looking to build on their momentum after a strong win in Philadelphia, while the Blue Jackets are hoping to continue their playoff push with a win at the Prudential Center. Expect a high-energy game, with both teams giving it their all in this pivotal battle for playoff positioning.
Tune in to MSGSN or listen on the Devils Hockey Network to catch all the action tonight at 7:00 PM ET.+
