Tonight at the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Devils (16-8-1) host the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-9-5) in a Metropolitan Division matchup with significant playoff implications. While the Devils are looking to maintain their position atop the division, the Blue Jackets are fighting to solidify their wild card spot. Adding to the excitement, the Devils will celebrate defenseman Brenden Dillon's 1,000th NHL game.
Dillon, a 35-year-old veteran in his 15th NHL season, has played for the Devils, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets. Known for his physicality and defensive reliability, Dillon also provides leadership and mentorship to younger players like Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes. "It's a role that I've just kind of adapted into, and I love this league. I love this team," Dillon said.
The Devils enter tonight's game looking to bounce back from a 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Timo Meier and Nico Hischier are currently on five-game point streaks. Meier has tallied seven points (four goals, three assists) during his streak, while Hischier has been even more productive with 10 points (five goals, five assists). Their offensive contributions have been crucial with Jack Hughes sidelined due to injury.
The Blue Jackets are trying to snap a four-game skid. In their last six games, they have a record of 1-2-3. Zach Werenski leads the team with 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists). Columbus has struggled to hold leads recently, surrendering leads in the third period in each of their recent losses.
The Devils won the first meeting between the two teams this season, 3-2, on October 13 in Columbus. Dawson Mercer scored two goals in that game.
Projected Devils Lineup:
- Forwards: Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Jesper Bratt, Ondrej Palat – Dawson Mercer – Arseny Gritsyuk, Paul Cotter – Cody Glass – Connor Brown, Juho Lammikko – Luke Glendening – Stefan Noesen
- Defensemen: Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes – Simon Nemec, Brenden Dillon – Colton White
- Goaltenders: Jacob Markstrom, Jake Allen
Projected Blue Jackets Lineup:
- Forwards: Dmitri Voronkov – Adam Fantilli – Kent Johnson, Luca Pinello – Sean Monahan – Cole Sillinger, Miles Wood – Charlie Coyle – Isac Lundestrom
- Defensemen: Zach Werenski – Ivan Provorov, Denton Mateychuk – Damon Severson, Brendan Smith – Dante Fabbro
- Goaltenders: Elvis Merzlikins, Jet Greaves
The Devils are 9-2-0 in their last 11 games against the Blue Jackets. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.
