Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils: Lineups, Injuries, etc.

Two of the top teams in the Metro Division–the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils–meet tonight for the first time this season at Nationwide Arena.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have a huge game tonight against one of the biggest surprises in the entire NHL this season. For most of the season, the New Jersey Devils have been atop the Metro Division standings despite having the No. 1 overall pick in the draft this past summer due to their abysmal 2016-17 record.

Although the Devils are no longer in first (they’re one point behind the first-place Blue Jackets), they are still very competitive and a strong team that is sticking around with some of the very best in the league. Many experts believed that the team would drop off once they started playing tougher teams, but they have yet to flounder like people predicted.

The Blue Jackets are a tough team as well, though. They are now in first-place in the Metro Division after a great last 10 games. Goaltending has been the main reason for the surge but strong performances by players such as Pierre-Luc Dubois, Josh Anderson and more has pushed the team to a much better place than they expected to be in.

This game is a huge game for both sides, so expect some chippyness and some great hockey.

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