NEWARK, N.J. — For the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils, Tuesday night’s showdown at the Prudential Center feels less like a regular midseason game and more like an elimination skirmish with Eastern Conference playoff hopes hanging in the balance. With the Bruins holding the final wild‑card spot at 68 points, Columbus sitting at 61, and New Jersey just behind at 58, this contest is essentially a four‑point swing in a race where every point feels precious. Both teams will be desperate for the kind of win that keeps hopes alive — or face a daunting climb in the stretch run.
Columbus (27–20–7) has been one of the NHL’s unexpected stories this season. After a middling start, the Jackets caught fire under coach Rick Bowness and have gone 9–1–0 in their last 10 games, outscoring opponents by a wide margin in that stretch. Charlie Coyle’s hat trick in a recent 4‑2 win over the Blackhawks highlighted a balanced attack that has seen depth players step up, while star defenseman Zach Werenski has been on fire — points in 18 of his last 20 games and leading the club with 60 points on the season. Columbus’ high‑octane offense has helped lift its goals‑for rate close to 3.3 per game, and its recent efforts have them legitimately in the playoff conversation.
Yet the Blue Jackets know this game matters because the margin for error is razor thin. A loss tightens the gap even more in a crowded wild‑card chase, and Columbus will need to play penalty kill and 5‑on‑5 defense at its best. Over their recent stretch, the Jackets’ special teams have improved — ranking in the top tier of penalty killing while their power play has generated goals — but consistency remains a work in progress for a club still finding its identity.
New Jersey (28–25–2) can ill afford a stumble here either. The Devils have battled inconsistencies but are still alive in every statistical chase for a wild‑card berth. New Jersey ranks 28th in goals scored per game (around 2.6) and has a negative goal differential, underscoring just how vital timely offense would be in a game of this magnitude. Despite those numbers, the Devils have shown sparks in recent weeks — including a gritty overtime win over the Nashville Predators where Nico Hischier delivered the game‑winning tally and Jesper Bratt chipped in with playmaking.
Offensively, New Jersey leans on Hischier’s creativity and Bratt’s setup ability while trying to generate traffic and finish around the net. But the Devils’ inconsistent scoring has undercut their ability to pull away from teams they should beat, making big games like this a tough proposition. At the other end of the ice, goaltending and limiting high‑danger chances will be paramount — both clubs understand that a sloppy defensive night can turn a marquee matchup into a missed opportunity.
Analytically, this matchup presents a contrast of recent fortunes. Columbus’ expected goals metrics have climbed with its winning streak, signaling sustained offensive pressure and quality chances. New Jersey, on the other hand, has performed better in close games and tight defensive moments, but their offense has lagged, especially when they fail to generate balanced scoring across lines. Both clubs will need top performances from their netminders to keep this one close and give their skaters a chance to tilt the ice.
Humorously, this game almost feels like a midseason playoff play‑in without the official branding: two teams with their backs against the standings’ wall, both trying to avoid the spiral and keep hope alive. Expect an intense opening 20 minutes as each side vies for early momentum, followed by a chess match of line matchups and tactical adjustments. Whether it becomes a back‑and‑forth offensive contest or a strategic grind dominated by tight checking and goaltending, Tuesday’s Blue Jackets–Devils matchup promises to deliver drama and significance in equal measure.
By night’s end, one club will leave with a critical point or two — either tightening the chase for the Boston Bruins’ final wild‑card position or handing the other a stumble that could define the next chapter of their season. In a tightly packed Eastern Conference where every game can swing the postseason pendulum, this one feels like a mini‑playoff before the playoffs even begin.
Check out all EasySportz NHL Content Here
College Football Viewing Guide
