The New Jersey Devils‘ (28-25-2) playoff hopes have dwindled to near nothing. It’s not over, but the likelihood has become improbable. Yet, if they hope to make any sort of magical run, in-division games like tonight when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets (27-20-7) are crucial.
The Olympic break is upon us. After Thursday, the Devils—sans the Olympians—will have some time off. The Devils can either position themselves well for the post-Olympic run. Or, they can sink their chances completely before they even return.
It all starts tonight.
Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup.
What to Know vs. Blue Jackets
— The Devils and Columbus conclude their 2025-26 regular-season series (2-1-0), after the Devils twice defeated Columbus with 3-2 victories.
— Nico Hischier leads the Devils with four points (2g-2a) against Columbus this season.
— Netminders Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom both earned a win vs Columbus this season.
2025-26 vs. Blue Jackets
10/13/25 W 3-2 Nationwide Arena
12/1/25 L 5-3 Prudential Center
12/31/25 W 3-2 Nationwide Arena
2/3/26 7:00 P.M. ET Prudential Center
Devils vs. Blue Jackets
All-time Record: 68-56-12
All-time Home Record: 39-24-6
All-time Road Record: 29-32-6
Projected Devils Lineup*
Forwards
Timo Meier – Cody Glass – Connor Brown
Arseny Gritsyuk – Nico Hischier – Lenni Hämennaho
Jesper Bratt – Paul Cotter – Dawson Mercer
Juho Lammikko – Luke Glendening – Maxim Tsyplakov
Defensemen
Jonas Siegenthaler – Johnathan Kovacevic
Brett Pesce – Dougie Hamilton
Brenden Dillon – Simon Nemec
Goaltenders
Jacob Markstrom
Jake Allen
*Lineup subject to change
Current Injuries: Jack Hughes (lower-body), Marc McLaughlin (undisclosed), Zack MacEwen (upper body, out for season), Luke Hughes (separated shoulder)
2025-26 Total Man-Games Lost: 253
Projected Blue Jackets Lineup*
Forwards
Mason Marchment – Adam Fantilli – Isac Lundestrom
Dmitri Voronkov– Sean Monahan – Kent Johnson
Cole Sillinger – Charlie Coyle – Mathieu Olivier
Danton Heinen – Boone Jenner – Miles Wood
Defensemen
Zach Werenski – Damon Severson
Ivan Provorov – Denton Mateychuk
Egor Zamula – Erik Gudbranson
Goaltenders
Jet Greaves
Elvis Merzlikins
*Lineup subject to change
How to Watch the Devils Game — 7:00 P.M. E.T.
Watch: MSGSN
Radio: DEVILS HOCKEY NET
Next Up
Tue., Feb. 3 Vs CBJ 7:00 P.M. E.T.
Thu., Feb. 5 Vs NYI 7:00 P.M. E.T.
Olympic Break
