The Metropolitan Division-leading New Jersey Devils (21-10-3) look to extend their winning streak to four games as they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-15-5) at Nationwide Arena on Thursday night.
The Devils enter the contest with impressive momentum, having outscored opponents 12-3 during their three-game win streak, while showcasing the NHL's second-best power play at 30.1% efficiency.
Columbus, meanwhile, has struggled significantly, posting a concerning 1-6-2 record in their last nine games while allowing the second-most goals per game (3.63) in the league.
Recent history favors New Jersey in this matchup, with the Devils winning seven of the last ten meetings between these Metropolitan Division rivals, including three straight victories.
The contrast between New Jersey's fifth-ranked defense (2.56 goals against per game) and Columbus's offensive-minded but defensively challenged approach sets up an intriguing tactical battle.
As these division rivals prepare to face off, the key question remains whether the Blue Jackets can find answers to slow down the Devils' high-powered offense, led by Jesper Bratt's 42 points and the team's lethal power play unit.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils: who will win?
For tonight's Columbus Blue Jackets vs New Jersey Devils matchup, our predictive model gives the Devils a 72.4% chance of defeating the Blue Jackets.
New Jersey Devils: 72.4% win probability
- Strong offensive output (114 goals scored in 34 games)
- Excellent defensive efficiency (87 goals against in 34 games)
- Superior overall record (21 wins in 34 games, 1st in Metropolitan Division)
Columbus Blue Jackets: 27.6% win probability
- Poor recent form (5 consecutive losses - LLLLL)
- Defensive struggles (116 goals against in 32 games)
- Low win percentage (12 wins in 32 games, last in Metropolitan Division)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils odds
| Columbus Blue Jackets | New Jersey Devils | |
|---|---|---|
| moneyline | +180 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) | -218 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) |
Key stats
- 1The Columbus Blue Jackets have won 12 out of 32 matches this season.
- 2The New Jersey Devils have won 21 out of 34 matches this season.
- 3With 29 points, the Columbus Blue Jackets holds the 14th position in the league standings.
- 4New Jersey Devils's 45 points place them 1st in the rankings.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils form
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils head to head
Columbus Blue Jackets
17%
New Jersey Devils
83%
Jan 20, 2024
Columbus Blue Jackets
1 : 4
New Jersey Devils
Dec 28, 2023
New Jersey Devils
4 : 3
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dec 17, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
3 : 6
New Jersey Devils
Nov 24, 2023
New Jersey Devils
1 : 2
Columbus Blue Jackets
Apr 6, 2023
New Jersey Devils
8 : 1
Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 15, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
2 : 3
New Jersey Devils
