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Columbus Blue Jackets (29 pts) vs. New Jersey Devils (45 pts) Game Preview

jason newland
·2 min read

The New Jersey Devils bring their talent into Nationwide Arena tonight.

Another day, another CBJ opponent on a hot streak, and this time it's the New Jersey Devils.

The Devils are 6-3-1 in the last 10 and have won three straight coming into tonight's game. Due to their recent streak, they've shot to the top of the Metro and sit in first with 45 points. They have the 2nd ranked power play, 8th ranked PK, and are 4th in goals scored. This won't be easy for the Jackets.

The Jackets on the other hand are as cold as ice, having gone 2-6-2 in their last 10, and have dropped five straight. They need something good to happen ASAP. They've proven they can beat good teams, but have looked slow and unenergetic of late. To help get a spark back, they've called up spunky forward James Malatesta to inject a little life into the party. Malatesta should do just that, and being that this is his season debut at home, expect him to start some shenanigans with the Devils right away.

The Devils currently sit 1st in the Metro, 1st in the East, and 2nd in the NHL.

Series History vs. The Devils

  • Columbus is 16-10-4 at home and 28-19-4 in 51 all-time games vs. New Jersey.

  • The Devils have won the last three games at NWA in the series.

  • The Jackets are 1-2-1 in the last four against NJ.

Who To Watch For The Devils

  • Jesper Bratt leads the team in assists with 28, and points with 42.

  • Jack Hughes has 42 points and has 14 points in 11 games against the CBJ.

  • Jacob Markstrom is 16-6 with a .909 SP.

  • Jake Allen is 5-4 with a .900 SP.

CBJ Player Notes vs. The Devils

  • Sean Monahan has 22 points in 19 career games against the Devils.

  • Ivan Provorov has 20 points in 35 games.

  • James van Riemsdyk has 36 points in 50 games vs. New Jersey.

Injuries

  • Boone Jenner (shoulder) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 7; (32 Games)

  • Erik Gudbranson (upper body) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 16; (29 Games)

  • Yegor Chinakhov (upper body); (11 Games)

  • Justin Danforth (lower body); (4 Games)

  • Jack Johnson (upper body); (1 Game)

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 122

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.

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