The New Jersey Devils are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in Newark, and while it’s still early in the season, this matchup carries weight for both teams as they try to solidify their identities heading into the heart of the schedule.
BLUE JACKETS (11-9-5) at DEVILS (16-8-1)
Puck drop: 7 p.m. ET | Broadcast: MSGSN, FDSNOH
Let’s break down the projected lineups and what each team is working with heading into this one.
Blue Jackets Projected Lineup
Top Line:
Dmitri Voronkov - Adam Fantilli - Kent Johnson
Second Line:
Luca Pinelli - Sean Monahan - Cole Sillinger
Third Line:
Zach Aston-Reese - Charlie Coyle - Isac Lundestrom
Fourth Line:
Miles Wood - Brendan Gaunce - Yegor Chinakhov
Defensive Pairings:
Zach Werenski - Ivan Provorov
Denton Mateychuk - Damon Severson
Brendan Smith - Dante Fabbro
Goaltenders:
Elvis Merzlikins (starter)
Jet Greaves (backup)
Scratched: Jake Christiansen
Injured: Erik Gudbranson (hip), Boone Jenner (upper body), Mathieu Olivier (upper body), Kirill Marchenko (lower body)
The Blue Jackets come in a little banged up, with captain Boone Jenner still sidelined for what will be his 10th straight game. Head coach Dean Evason noted Jenner is “close,” but not quite ready to return.
That’s a big absence for Columbus, not just from a production standpoint but from a leadership one too. Kirill Marchenko, another key forward, will miss his fourth straight, while Olivier is out for a third consecutive game.
With Jenner out, Adam Fantilli continues to get top-line reps. The rookie has shown flashes of why he was such a high draft pick, and skating alongside Kent Johnson and Dmitri Voronkov gives him a chance to keep developing against top competition. Keep an eye on that line - they’ve got skill, but they’ll need to find some consistency.
On the back end, Werenski and Provorov anchor the top pairing, while Denton Mateychuk continues to impress in his rookie campaign. Damon Severson, returning to New Jersey for the first time since his offseason departure, will likely have a little extra jump in his step. Expect a warm reception - or at least a loud one - from the Prudential Center crowd.
Elvis Merzlikins gets the start in net. He’s had an up-and-down season, but he’s capable of stealing games when he’s locked in.
Devils Projected Lineup
Top Line:
Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt
Second Line:
Ondrej Palat - Dawson Mercer - Arseny Gritsyuk
Third Line:
Paul Cotter - Cody Glass - Connor Brown
Fourth Line:
Juho Lammikko - Luke Glendening - Stefan Noesen
Defensive Pairings:
Jonas Siegenthaler - Dougie Hamilton
Luke Hughes - Simon Nemec
Brenden Dillon - Dennis Cholowski
Goaltenders:
Jake Allen (starter)
Jacob Markstrom (backup)
Scratched: Colton White
Injured: Jack Hughes (finger), Zack MacEwen (lower body), Brett Pesce (hand), Johnathan Kovacevic (knee), Evgenii Dadonov (upper body)
The Devils continue to find ways to win despite a growing injury list that includes Jack Hughes and Brett Pesce. Even without their star center, New Jersey has managed to stay sharp, thanks in large part to the play of Nico Hischier, who centers the top line alongside Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt. That trio has been dynamic, combining skill, speed, and a strong two-way presence.
The second line features Dawson Mercer and veteran Ondrej Palat flanking Arseny Gritsyuk, a young winger who’s starting to look more comfortable at the NHL level. If Gritsyuk can keep building confidence, he might be a real X-factor in the middle six.
On the blue line, Dennis Cholowski draws back into the lineup for the first time in five games, slotting in alongside Brenden Dillon. That third pairing will be watched closely - the Devils have leaned heavily on their top four, and any depth they can get on the back end will be crucial, especially with Pesce and Kovacevic still out.
Jake Allen is expected to get the nod in goal. The veteran has been steady when called upon, and with Jacob Markstrom in the mix, the Devils have the kind of goaltending depth that can keep them afloat through tough stretches.
What to Watch
This game has the makings of a sneaky-good matchup. The Devils are the more complete team on paper, but Columbus has some young firepower that can make things interesting, especially if Fantilli and Johnson get going early. The blue line battle will also be worth watching - Werenski and Provorov versus Hamilton and Hughes is a fun contrast of styles, with both pairings capable of pushing the pace.
And then there’s the Severson storyline. After spending nearly a decade in New Jersey, he’s back in the building wearing a different sweater. Expect him to be active, especially on the power play, where his shot and puck movement can still be difference-makers.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. ET. Buckle up.