Game #39 preview, Blue Jackets close out 2025 with an anticipated rematch against the Devils

Tonight is the game that has been circled on our calendars for a few weeks. The Blue Jackets host the New Jersey Devils in what should be an emotional game from both sides.

It feels like it's been ages, but it hasn't even been a month. The Jackets beat the Devils 5-3 back on December 1st, in a game that felt like a turning point in their season.

Unfortunately, they floundered over the next couple of weeks and fell a ways out of the race. Since acquiring Mason Marchment, however, they are playing pretty good hockey. And, it's the kind of hockey that is well suited for what the Devils may try to bring tonight.

The Opponent

Like the Blue Jackets, the Devils have struggled since their first game of December. They are 4-9-1 in the month, leaving them 20-17-2 (42 points) on the season. They have lost their last four games in a row, including a 4-0 shutout loss last night in Toronto.

They are two points ahead, but have played one more game than the Jackets; so this is a crucial two points in the standings up for grabs tonight. Whoever loses this game will sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, if it's in regulation.

New Jersey is led in scoring by Jesper Bratt, who has 8 goals and 31 points in 39 games. But, their real leader offensively is Jack Hughes. He missed the first matchup between these two teams after a freak off-ice injury; but as he goes, the Devils go.

In goal, Jacob Markstrom played last night, so expect Jake Allen to get the nod this evening. He's 19-10-8 this season, with a .910% save percentage and 2.54 goals against average. He's got pretty good numbers for his career against the Blue Jackets, as well.

New Jersey is missing four players from their lineup, including one of their best defenseman, Simon Nemec. They are also missing enforcer Zach MacEwen, which could be important tonight.

Still, I expect them to be pumped up for this one for a couple of reasons. First, the obvious one: they were not happy with the way the Blue Jackets beat them on December 1st. They thought the fights were unfair between Dmitri Voronkov vs Brenden Dillon; and Adam Fantilli vs Jonas Siegenthaler.

They may be seeking some revenge tonight. But, they are also going to be fired up because their head coach called his team out for their lack of physicality last night in Toronto.

There's just one problem for Sheldon Keefe and his team: the Jackets are one of the worst teams in the league to try to play that kind of game against. As we have seen over the last month, they are at their very best when they get into physical, emotional battles.

The Good Guys

While the Jackets will be concerned with slowing down Jack Hughes for the first time this season, the Devils will have to concern themselves with a different problem.

They will face Mathieu Olivier, who was stuck watching the December 1st gong-show from the comfort of his own living room. He's the toughest player in the NHL, so if New Jersey really wants to try to stir anything up, they will have their hands full of #24 tonight. He's ready.

Unfortunately, the Jackets lost two more bodies on Monday night. Center Sean Monahan missed the game with an undisclosed injury, and defenseman Brendan Smith left the game after injuring his knee.

Both will miss tonight's game, which means that newly recalled defenseman Dysin Mayo will share minutes on the third pairing alongside Jake Christiansen. No other changes to the lineup, and Jet Greaves gets his fourth consecutive start.

Three Keys to Success

1. Impose your physical will. The Devils got all they could handle from the Blue Jackets in the first meeting, and that was without Olivier and newly-acquired Mason Marchment in the lineup. It shouldn't be hard to outmatch this opponent from a physical perspective.

2. Feed off of the home crowd. It should be a loud environment tonight, being New Year's Eve. The Jackets should feed off of that, especially if this one does get rough.

3. Slow down their stars. The biggest advantage the Devils have is with their speed and skill. The Jackets have to find a way to contain them and limit scoring chances against.

Puck drop is scheduled for shortly after 7:00 Eastern Time. If you can watch this one, I highly recommend tuning in. After all, it's not like there is any other important sporting event going on this evening. Kidding, of course. Let's go Jackets!