This Metropolitan Division matchup features the Columbus Blue Jackets riding a five-game winning streak into Newark to face the New Jersey Devils, who are looking to snap a two-game skid and improve their playoff positioning. The Blue Jackets (27-20-7) sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, while the Devils (28-25-2) are 15th, making this a crucial game for both teams’ postseason aspirations.
Venue Location
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey.
This arena, home to the Devils since 2007, seats approximately 16,514 for hockey and is known for its passionate fanbase and modern amenities.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, MSGSN (Devils), and FDSNOH (Blue Jackets), with streaming available on ESPN+.
Injury Report
Columbus Blue Jackets: Dante Fabbro (D) – Questionable (Lower Body); Brendan Smith (D) – IR (Torn Meniscus); Kirill Marchenko (F) – Questionable (Illness).
Marchenko’s potential absence would hurt CBJ’s offense, as he’s a key scorer.
New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes (F) – Questionable (Lower Body).
Hughes is a game-time decision; his status is critical for NJD’s playmaking.
Key Player Matchups
This game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with CBJ’s hot streak facing NJD’s home-ice advantage. Key individual battles:
| Matchup | Position | Blue Jackets Player | Devils Player | Notes |
| Forward | Center | Boone Jenner (18G, 22A) | Nico Hischier (20G, 28A) | Captains clash: Jenner’s physicality vs. Hischier’s two-way play; pivotal for faceoffs (Hischier 54.2% win rate). |
| Forward | Wing | Johnny Gaudreau (12G, 35A) | Jesper Bratt (22G, 30A) | Scoring threats: Gaudreau’s creativity vs. Bratt’s speed; both lead in assists. |
| Forward | Wing | Kirill Marchenko (if available, 25G) | Timo Meier (18G, 20A) | Power forwards: Marchenko’s shot vs. Meier’s net-front presence. |
| Defense | D | Zach Werenski (8G, 32A) | Dougie Hamilton (10G, 25A) | Offensive D-men: Werenski’s PP points vs. Hamilton’s booming shot. |
| Goaltending | G | Elvis Merzlikins (2.85 GAA, .905 SV%) | Jacob Markstrom (2.92 GAA, .902 SV%) | Latvian vs. Swede: Merzlikins hot lately (.920 SV% in wins) vs. Markstrom’s consistency. |
Recent Team Forms
Columbus Blue Jackets: 8-2-0 in their last 10 games, on a five-game winning streak, averaging 3.8 GPG while allowing 2.4 GPG.
Recent wins include a 5-3 victory over St. Louis; strong special teams (PP 22%, PK 85%) fueling surge.
New Jersey Devils: 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, on a two-game losing streak, averaging 3.1 GPG while allowing 3.5 GPG.
Lost 4-1 to Ottawa last; offense inconsistent without Hughes, but home PK elite (88%).
Series History
The all-time series is even at 25-25-5-3 (including shootouts), with NJD holding a slight edge recently (6-4 in last 10).
This season: NJD won the first meeting 3-2 on Dec. 31, 2025, in Columbus, with three third-period goals in 1:56 for the comeback.
CBJ is 3-2 in last five visits to Newark. No playoff history between the franchises.
Betting Trends
Blue Jackets: 30-24 ATS overall; 18-8 ATS on road; 6-4 ATS as underdogs. Over in 26 of 54 games (48.1%).
Devils: 19-36 ATS overall; 14-11 ATS at home; 15-15 SU as favorites. Under in 32 of 55 games (58.2%).
Game Odds
Columbus Blue Jackets – 112
New Jersey Devils 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
