CBJ vs. Devils Preview
The Jackets are back in action tonight after the three-day Christmas break and on the road in Jersey. Columbus lost to Toronto last Saturday, while New Jersey beat Detroit 3-2. The Devils come in having lost 3 of their last 5 games, and this game will be the final game of a 5-game homestand.
The Devils currently sit 6th in the Metro, 10th in the East, and 17th in the NHL.
Three Keys
Be Physical. Hit the Devils any chance you get. That should be what Pascal Vincent says to his team. Be physical but disciplined and take the Devils off the puck. They were outhit by the Devils 9-8 in their last game, turn that around.
Shake Off The Christmas Break. Every year it seems teams come back from this break in one of two ways, sluggish or fast. Be the team that comes out fast. This team is young so it shouldn't be an issue. January will see some schedule relief during weeks two and three of the month, so rest then.
It's Time To Climb Out Of The Basement. Win some games and make a move, start that tonight. I'm not saying they have to make the playoffs but try and catch Pittsburgh at least. Little by little, they need to make this season respectable.
Series History
- The Jackets are 12-9-3 on the road vs. New Jersey.
- Columbus is 16-6-1 against the Devils in the last 23 games.
- Six of the last 10 games have been decided by one goal.
- The two teams have split the season series, with two more to play.
Who To Watch For New Jersey
- Jack Hughes has 13 goals and 39 points this season. He had a hat trick against the CBJ on December 16th.
- Jesper Bratt has 13 goals and 38 points this season. He also has 18 power-play points.
- Tyler Toffoli has 14 goals and 24 points this season.
- Vitek Vanecek is 12-6-1 with a .884 save %.
Player Notes
- Johnny Gaudreau has 25 points in 18 career games against the Devils. He currently has 7 points in a 5 game points streak.
- Yegor Chinakhov has 3 goals in 5 career games vs. the Devils. He has 10 points in his last 7 games.
- Adam Fantilli is third among NHL rookies this season with 20 points. He has points in 3 of his last 4 games.
Injuries
- Jack Roslovic (fractured ankle) is on Injured Reserve on Nov. 13 (4-to-6 Weeks); 20 games
- Adam Boqvist (shoulder strain) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 5 (Approx. 4 Weeks); 8 games
- Boone Jenner (fractured jaw) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 9 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 6 games
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 14 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 4 games
- Nick Blankenburg (upper body) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 19 (Day-to-Day); 2 games
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 119
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on Bally Sports Ohio. As always, the legendary Jeff Rimer 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.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.