G56 New Jersey Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets: The last stand
The book will all but close on the playoffs if the Devils don't get positive results leading up to the Olympic break.
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The New Jersey Devils host the red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets in what’s essentially a must-win game.
Their playoff chances will improve to 23% with a victory and crumble to 12% with a regulation loss, according to HockeyStats.
Here are a few notes to get you set for the big divisional clash:
The screws are tightened 🔩
Don’t look now but the Blue Jackets are suddenly a competent defensive team.
Rick Bowness has quickly aided their defensive efforts, with the Blue Jackets showing clear signs of improvement across the board.
They rank just outside the top-10 in 5v5 shot suppression as well as expected goals since his hiring, keeping company with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins.
They have also done a much better job at protecting the middle of the ice. The Jackets sit 10th in high-danger chances allowed and 10th in slot shots conceded under Bowness.
That’s not great news for the Devils, who have struggled to score at 5v5 and rank bottom-10 in high-danger chance generation during the same period of time.
New Jersey was able to bank on a volume-based approach in three previous meetings with Columbus, generating an average of more than 30 shots and scoring three times in each.
Given the defensive improvement we’ve seen under Bowness, and the absences of the Hughes brothers, I don’t know that the same type of volume will be there. The Devils will likely need to finish efficiently to win this game.
The good news is Elvis Merzlikins will get the nod in goal. He has not performed nearly as well as Jet Greaves, and offers a better chance of New Jersey scoring above their expected output.
