Gameday #39: Drop the ball, drop the gloves?

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 7:00 PM ET
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Ohio
TV: FDSNOH; Radio: 93.3 FM

New Jersey Devils (20-17-2, 42 points, 7th Metro, 13th East

at

Columbus Blue Jackets (17-15-6, 40 points, 8th Metro, 16th East)

Previously

The Jackets put together a complete game on Monday to win 4-1 in Ottawa. They did this despite not arriving until mid-afternoon, in the second leg of a back-to-back, and without the services of Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan. That marks three straight regulation wins, for the first time all season.

Notes

While much of Central Ohio’s attention will be on a football game in Arlington, Texas, this hockey game could prove to be entertaining as well. The teams’ previous meetings at the beginning of the month in Newark was, uh, let’s say…chippy? There were multiple fights, and this was while Mathieu Olivier was on the IR. He’s back in the lineup tonight, and former heavyweight champ James “Buster” Douglas is the guest of honor. In addition, Mason Marchment has been getting under opponents’ skin. There should be fireworks, and I’m not just talking about after the game.

Brendan Smith suffered an injury in the Ottawa game, so Dysin Mayo has been called up to take his place.

Dougie Hamilton also left last night’s game in Toronto, so his availability may be in question. The Devils lost 4-0. Will they be tired and demoralized, or will they be fired up to snap their four game winless streak?

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

New Jersey Devils