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

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James is a fully credentialed New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the ... More about James Nichols