The Columbus Blue Jackets have encountered a season fraught with challenges, reflected in their 10-16-5 record. Offensively, they have shown flashes of potential, averaging 3.3 goals per game. Right winger Kirill Marchenko has been a standout performer, leading the team with 24 goals and 37 assists, totaling 61 points. Marchenko’s knack for finding the back of the net and setting up teammates has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous season. However, the team’s defensive struggles have overshadowed their offensive efforts. The Blue Jackets have conceded an average of 3.0 goals per game, with lapses in defensive coverage and inconsistent goaltending proving to be major concerns. Elvis Merzlikins, the team’s starting goaltender, has had a rough season, posting a .897 save percentage. While he has shown glimpses of elite shot-stopping ability, his inconsistency has cost Columbus valuable points throughout the campaign. The defensive core, led by Zach Werenski, has struggled to contain opposition attacks, often leaving their goaltender exposed to high-danger scoring opportunities. Werenski, one of the team’s most reliable blueliners, has put up solid numbers offensively but has been unable to stabilize the defensive end, which has been an Achilles’ heel for the team all season. Beyond their defensive woes, the Blue Jackets have also suffered from a lack of depth scoring. While Marchenko has carried the load offensively, secondary scoring has been inconsistent, with Boone Jenner, Johnny Gaudreau, and Adam Fantilli failing to produce at the expected rate.

Gaudreau, once considered an elite playmaker, has seen his production dip significantly this season, raising concerns about whether he can still be the game-changing player Columbus thought they were acquiring in free agency. Fantilli, on the other hand, is still developing into a top-tier NHL center, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance, his rookie campaign has been marked by growing pains. Another issue for Columbus has been their performance in special teams. Their power play is ranked in the bottom third of the NHL, converting on only 16% of their opportunities. A lack of structure and predictable puck movement has made it easier for penalty-killing units to neutralize their man-advantage situations. Their penalty kill has not fared much better, struggling to keep teams from capitalizing on their defensive mistakes. The Blue Jackets rank near the bottom of the league in penalty-kill percentage, which has been a contributing factor in their inability to close out tight games. As they prepare for their matchup against the Devils, the Blue Jackets must focus on tightening their defensive structure and limiting turnovers. The Devils are a fast-paced team that thrives on transition play, and Columbus cannot afford to give them easy scoring chances. They will also need a strong performance from Merzlikins, who must be at his best to keep his team in the game. Offensively, the Blue Jackets need to find a way to create more high-danger chances and capitalize on their limited opportunities against New Jersey’s disciplined defensive unit. If they can disrupt the Devils’ offensive rhythm and play a structured, disciplined game, they might have a chance to pull off an upset. However, given their struggles this season and the Devils’ strong form, Columbus enters this matchup as clear underdogs. A win here could provide a much-needed morale boost for the team, but they will need to play one of their best games of the season to secure the two points.