Game Day #64: Can the Jackets chase down third place in the Metro?

Sunday, March 9, 2025 – 6:00 PM EST
Prudential Center – Newark, New Jersey
TV: FDSNOH, MSGSN; Radio: 97.1 FM

Columbus Blue Jackets (31-24-8, 70 points, 4th Metro, 8th East)

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New Jersey Devils (34-25-6, 74 points, 3rd Metro, 6th East)

Sunday’s win was big, but now another big game awaits the Blue Jackets. They currently sit four points behind the sliding Devils for third place in the Metro. A regulation win puts them within two points, while a regulation loss pushes them to six back.

Player to Watch

Mathieu Olivier

Don’t look now, but second-line winger Mathieu Olivier has 3-2-5 in his last 6 games. He was moved up in the lineup against the Rangers on Sunday and had his first multi-point game since October 22nd. He keeps exceeding expectations. Could he actually be more than a fourth liner?

Jackets Notes

On Sunday, Adam Fantilli became the first 20 or younger aged player in the NHL to have multiple hat tricks in a season since Patrik Laine did it in 2018-19. Is that good?

Last night, the Senators beat the Red Wings in regulation. While the Senators gained the first wild card spot, the game gave the Jackets four points and a game in hand over the Red Wings. The Rangers, who are two points back, are in Winnipeg to play the Jets tonight.

The Other Bench

The Devils are reeling from the injuries of Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. Hughes will miss the remainder of the season, and Hamilton is out indefinitely. They were firmly in the playoffs before the injuries, and now the Blue Jackets and Senators are both breathing down their neck.

Season Series

12/19/2024 NJD 2 @ CBJ 4
03/11/2025 CBJ @ NJD
03/17/2025 NJD @ CBJ

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

New Jersey Devils