New Jersey has an all-time record of 21-23-1-5 versus Columbus.
The New Jersey Devils will meet the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night at Nationwide Arena for their final matchup of the season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
The team held an optional morning skate at 11:30 A.M. The following players participated: Kevin Bahl, Nathan Bastian, Jesper Bratt, Cal Foote, Santeri Hatakka, Erik Haula, Alexander Holtz, Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, Simon Nemec, Chris Tierney, Max Willman, Nico Daws, and Vitek Vanecek.
Devils' head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Curtis Lazar is good to go and is expected to play versus Columbus after taking a maintenance day on Thursday.
Devils @ Columbus - Nationwide Arena
The Devils have earned a 2-1-0 record versus the Blue Jackets this season. New Jersey lost the first matchup on Nov. 24 but then earned wins against Columbus on Dec. 16 and Dec. 27. Mercer has eight points (two goals, six assists) in 10 games versus tonight's opponent and has collected at least a point in his last two meetings versus Columbus.
The Blue Jackets are eighth in the Metropolitan Division (14-21-9). They are coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Dmitri Voronkov scored two goals, and Johnny Gaudreau tallied two assists. Damon Severson will face his former team for the second time since his sign and trade to Columbus on June 9.
- New Jersey's injury list includes Dougie Hamilton (out indefinitely), Tomas Nosek (out indefinitely), Jonas Siegenthaler (broken foot), Ondrej Palat (lower body), Jack Hughes (upper body), and Brendan Smith (sprained knee).
- Columbus' injury list includes Nick Blankenburg (upper body), Zach Werenski (ankle), and Patrik Laine (collarbone).
- The Blue Jackets defense has posted 66 points (12 goals, 54 assists) in the past 28 games and 103 points (17 goals, 86 assists) in 44 games this season to rank fourth among NHL defensive units in assists and eighth in points.
- Per the media notes, the Blue Jackets have recorded points in six of the last nine (3-3-3) and 15 of the previous 25 games (10-10-5) dating back to Nov. 22.
- The Devils record when scoring first is 9-2-2. When surrendering the first goal, the club is 13-15-1.
- New Jersey will begin another back-to-back set tonight. In the first game, they are 8-1-0 and 6-0-0 on the road.
Projected Lineup
New Jersey:
Last Game's Lineup:
Tyler Toffoli - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier - Michael McLeod - Dawson Mercer
Erik Haula - Curtis Lazar - Nathan Bastian
Max Willman - Chris Tierney -Alexander Holtz
John Marino - Simon Nemec
Luke Hughes - Colin Miller
Kevin Bahl - Cal Foote
Nico Daws/Vitek Vanecek
Columbus:
Johnny Gaudreau - Cole Sillinger - Yegor Chinakhov
Adam Fantilli - Boone Jenner - Jack Roslovic
Kent Johnson - Dmitri Voronkov - Kirill Marchenko
Alexandre Texier - Sean Kuraly - Justin Danforth
Damon Severson - Adam Boqvist
Ivan Provorov - Andrew Peeke
Jake Bean - Erik Gudbranson
Elvis Merzlikins/DaniilTarasov
Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be broadcast on MSGSN. Bill Spaulding will handle play-by-play alongside analyst Ken Daneyko and host Erika Wachter. Fans can also listen on the Devils Hockey Network with Matt Loughlin on play-by-play.
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