The New Jersey Devils hit the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a Metropolitan Division matchup on New Year’s Eve. The Devils, sitting fifth in the division, aim to rebound from a four-game losing streak and solidify their playoff push against a Blue Jackets team that’s sixth in the Metro and showing signs of improvement with a young core. This contest highlights New Jersey’s high-octane offense, led by Jack Hughes, against Columbus’ resilient defense and emerging talent like Adam Fantilli. With both teams vying for wild-card spots in a competitive East, expect a physical, fast-paced battle, though the Devils’ talent edge and Columbus’ injuries could tilt it toward the visitors.
Venue Location
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. This 18,187-capacity venue, opened in 2000, is known for its modern facilities and energetic crowds, especially during holiday games, creating a challenging atmosphere for road teams.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT). The evening tip-off will be broadcast on ESPN+ and available on local networks like MSG (Devils feed) and Bally Sports Ohio (Blue Jackets feed).
Injury Report
Injuries could significantly impact both sides, with the Devils missing key defensemen and the Blue Jackets dealing with a depleted blue line and forward group.
New Jersey Devils:
Simon Nemec (D): Out (Lower Body) – Placed on IR, expected to miss time.
Luke Hughes (D): Out (Upper Body) – Sidelined on IR, impacting blue-line depth.
Brett Pesce (D): Out (Leg) – On IR with a fractured fibula, long-term absence.
The Devils’ defense is thinned, forcing more minutes for Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler.
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Isac Lundestrom (C): Out (Undisclosed) – Placed on IR after practice injury, lower body suspected.
Zach Werenski (D): Out (Lower Body) – On IR, day-to-day but sidelined.
Jordan Harris (D): Out (Upper Body) – IR, impacting defensive pairings.
Justin Danforth (RW): Out (Concussion) – IR, no timeline.
Erik Gudbranson (D): Out (Shoulder) – IR, long-term.
The Blue Jackets’ blue line is ravaged, with Mathieu Olivier recently activated but the group relying on rookies and call-ups.
Key Player Matchups
Projected starting goalies: Jacob Markstrom (NJD, strong recent form) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ, inconsistent but capable). This divisional tilt features speed versus physicality, with New Jersey’s skill potentially overwhelming Columbus’ depleted defense.
Jack Hughes (NJD) vs. Adam Fantilli (CBJ): Hughes’ elite playmaking (leading Devils with 40+ points) faces Fantilli’s emerging two-way game (rookie with 20+ points). Hughes’ speed could exploit gaps in Columbus’ blue line.
Nico Hischier (NJD) vs. Sean Monahan (CBJ): Hischier’s faceoff dominance (55% wins) and scoring clashes with Monahan’s veteran savvy. Center battles may control possession.
Dougie Hamilton (NJD) vs. Tyler Toffoli (CBJ): Hamilton’s offensive defense (power-play quarterback) vs. Toffoli’s sniping (15+ goals). Hamilton needs to limit Toffoli’s shots from the slot.
Bench Battle: Timo Meier (NJD) vs. Kirill Marchenko (CBJ): Meier’s power forward energy against Marchenko’s finishing touch. New Jersey’s depth edges here amid Columbus’ injuries.
The Devils’ power play (top-10) could capitalize on the Blue Jackets’ middling penalty kill.
The Devils have a slight edge in points, but the Blue Jackets’ home resilience keeps them competitive.
Recent Team Forms
New Jersey is slumping, while Columbus shows mixed results with defensive improvements.
New Jersey Devils (Last 10 Games: 4-5-1)
Averaging 2.9 GPG, allowing 3.1 (-0.2 margin)
Key wins: 2-1 vs. Vegas (Dec 17), defensive stand; 4-1 vs. Anaheim (Dec 12).
Losses: Four straight, including 4-0 shutout to Toronto (Dec 30), offensive droughts.
Form: L-L-L-L-W (Struggling; Hughes with 8 points in 10, but poor goaltending .890 SV%).
Columbus Blue Jackets (Last 10 Games: 4-6-0)
Averaging 3.0 GPG, allowing 3.5 (-0.5 margin)
Key wins: 4-3 vs. Anaheim (Dec 16), comeback; 3-1 vs. LA (Dec 22).
Losses: Defensive lapses in blowouts, but competitive at home.
Form: W-L-W-L-L (Inconsistent; Fantilli with 7 points in 10, improved PK at 80%).
Series History
The Blue Jackets hold a 30-23-1-2 all-time edge in 56 regular-season meetings. Columbus has won 6 of the last 10, but New Jersey took 3 of the last 5. Recent games trend high-scoring (over in 4 of last 6), averaging 6.2 goals, with the home team winning 5 of the last 7. New Jersey’s last win in Columbus was a 5-3 victory in 2024.
Betting Trends
NJD 4-6 ATS last 10; 2-3 SU vs. Metro. CBJ 5-5 ATS last 10; 4-1 ATS as home underdogs. Over in 6/10 Devils road games; under in 4/6 recent H2H. Devils 3-2 ATS when favored by -110; Blue Jackets 4-3 SU at home lately.
Game Odds
New Jersey Devils 5.5
Columbus Blue Jackets – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
