Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils: Key Matchup
In a key matchup this evening, the Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the New Jersey Devils as both teams compete in the final NHL game of 2025. As the year comes to a close, the stakes are particularly high, with the Devils standing at 20 wins, 17 losses, and 2 overtime losses, totaling 42 points, placing them 7th in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, Columbus is slightly behind with 17 wins, 15 losses, and 6 overtime losses, accruing 40 points for 8th in the same division.
Recent Performance and Team Stats
Based on recent performance, New Jersey has posted a record of 4 wins, 5 losses, and 1 overtime loss in their last 10 games, while Columbus has fared similarly with 4 wins and 6 losses.
Examining team stats, the Blue Jackets have been struggling with a power play efficiency of 19.2%, ranking them 15th in the league. Their penalty kill, however, sits at a lowly 75.7%—29th in the NHL. They’ve scored a total of 112 goals, positioning them at 20th in the league, but have allowed 127 goals, which is the 25th worst record defensively. The Devils, on the other hand, boast a slightly better power play at 20.6% (11th overall) and their penalty killing unit mirrors Columbus at 75.7% (28th). New Jersey, however, has only netted 103 goals (28th in the NHL) and has allowed 118 goals (16th).
Series History and Key Players
In the series history between these two teams, the Blue Jackets hold an all-time record of 30 wins, 22 losses, 1 overtime loss, and 3 ties against the Devils, with a 17-12-0-0 record at home. The Blue Jackets have struggled recently, with a record of 3 wins, 8 losses, and 1 overtime loss in their last 12 encounters against New Jersey, although they have split their two meetings this season, each winning once.
Key players to keep an eye on for the Devils include Timo Meier, who leads the team with 11 goals, and Jesper Bratt, who has accomplished 23 assists and accumulated 31 points so far. On the goaltending front, Jake Allen has a record of 10 wins, 8 losses, and 1 overtime loss, with a save percentage of .910, while fellow goalie Jacob Markstrom comes in with 9 wins, 9 losses, and 1 overtime loss, but a lower save percentage of .884.
For the Blue Jackets, Mason Marchment has recorded 2 points in 6 games against New Jersey, while Boone Jenner boasts 20 points after 37 contests against them. Charlie Coyle contributes with 12 points in 36 games versus the Devils.
Injuries and Broadcast Information
In terms of injuries, Columbus has faced significant challenges, with Erik Gudbranson (upper body) sidelined for 30 games and currently on injured reserve, while Zach Werenski (lower body) and Isac Lundeström (lower body) have also missed multiple games and are on injured reserve. The total number of man games lost stands at 80 for the Blue Jackets.
Fans can catch tonight’s game on the FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK with Bob Wischusen providing play-by-play commentary, while the radio broadcast will be available on 93.3 The Bus with Bob McElligott. For more updates on the Blue Jackets, including news and analysis, follow along or subscribe to become part of the community discussion related to the team!
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