Blue Jackets Aim for Crucial Win Against Devils in Metropolitan Clash

NEWARK, N.J. — In a pivotal Metropolitan Division matchup, the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-24-8) face the New Jersey Devils (34-25-6) tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center. Both teams are looking to secure valuable points as they jockey for playoff positioning.

The Blue Jackets enter the game riding high after a decisive 7-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday. This win not only boosted their morale but also brought them within four points of the Devils in the standings. A regulation win for Columbus would tighten the race for third place in the division.

“Every game is important; we need to keep pushing,” said Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason. “We played well on Sunday, and we need to replicate that effort tonight.”

Columbus is expected to dress the same lineup that helped them secure the win against New York, including standout rookie Adam Fantilli, who became the first player under 20 to record multiple hat tricks in a season since Patrik Laine in 2018-19. Fantilli has tallied 21 goals this season, establishing a strong presence for the Jackets.

The Devils, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a recent 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, which snapped a three-game losing streak. New Jersey is hoping to improve its offensive output, especially following the injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. Hughes is out for the season with a shoulder injury, while Hamilton is sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

“Injuries have hit us hard, but we need to adapt,” said Devils forward Nico Hischier. “This is an important game for us, and we have to find a way to win.”

Both teams have experienced fluctuations this season. The Devils are currently third in the Metropolitan Division, but they have seen their lead diminish in recent weeks, which places added pressure on them to perform well at home. New Jersey’s overall record of 34-25-6 includes 15 wins at home and 19 losses on the road.

The matchup marks the second of three encounters between the two teams this season, with Columbus having won the previous meeting 4-2 back in December. As the playoff race intensifies, each confrontation becomes increasingly critical.

In terms of injuries, the Blue Jackets enter the game without forwards Cole Sillinger and Erik Gudbranson, who are both day-to-day with upper-body injuries, while Sean Monahan remains out with a wrist injury. The Devils have already faced significant challenges with their depth, and they will need to rely on contributions from role players like Tomas Tatar and Ondrej Palat.

As the puck drops tonight, both teams will look to capitalize on every opportunity. With the stakes this high, fans can expect a fast-paced, high-energy game filled with emotion. The game will be broadcasted on FDSNOH and MSGSN and available on the radio at 97.1 FM for Blue Jackets fans and WFAN 66 AM / 101.9 FM for Devils supporters.