In this article, we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Devils prediction for this NHL game on Monday, March 17 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils (36-26-6, 29-39 ATS) enjoyed their best run in 2025 as they recorded three straight wins over the Flyers, Blue Jackets, and Oilers, but the Penguins prevented them from getting the fourth win in a row. The Devils lost 7-3 in Pittsburgh, allowing seven goals for the first time since October 23, when they conceded eight in a loss to the Lightning. New Jersey is 3rd in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 78 points, eight behind the Hurricanes and 18 behind the leaders Capitals. The Devils will meet the Flames after this game.
The Devils score 2.99 goals per game on average (13th), while they concede 2.59 GPG (4th). This season, Jesper Bratt leads the team with 79 points (19 G and 60 A). Nico Hischier has 52 points (28 G and 24 A), while Timo Meier chips in with 44 points (19 G and 25 A).
Jacob Markstrom (22-13-5) is expected to start for the Devils at the goal on Monday against the Blue Jackets. The 35-year-old is allowing 2.45 goals per game this year with a .902 SV% and three shutouts.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-27-8, 39-27 ATS) are not playing well right now. They lost five of the previous six games and even failed to score a goal in three of those defeats. The Blue Jackets opened their four-game road trip with losses to the Lightning and Panthers, beat the Rangers, and concluded it with a loss to the Devils. Columbus returned home for a four-game homestand but lost the first two games to the Golden Knights and Rangers, failing to score a goal in the process. The Blue Jackets are 5th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 70 points, 26 behind the top-placed Capitals.
The Blue Jackets average 3.23 goals per game this year (8th), while they allow 3.33 GPG (27th). Zach Werenski leads the team with 69 points (20G and 49 A). Kirill Marchenko contributes 62 points (25 G and 37 A), while Kent Johnson has 45 points (21 G and 24 A).
Daniil Tarasov (7-8-2) will likely take his place in the cage for the Blue Jackets on Monday against the Devils. The 25-year-old is allowing 3.52 goals per game this year with a .882 SV% and one shutout.
Why the Devils will beat the Blue Jackets
- The Blue Jackets have lost five of their last six games.
- The Devils have won four of their last five games against the Blue Jackets.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Blue Jackets’ last three games.
- The Devils have won the second period in five of their last six games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents when tied after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Devils’ last seven games as road favorites following a road loss has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Four of the Blue Jackets’ last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last 12 road games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last seven home games against the Devils.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 25th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (75.41%).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 30th in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.30).
- The New Jersey Devils rank 4th in the league in power play percentage this season (27.51%).
- The New Jersey Devils are the only team in the league to rank top 5 for both power play and penalty kill percentage this season.
Blue Jackets vs Devils Prediction
The Devils won seven of the previous ten H2H encounters, including four of the last five. This season, the Blue Jackets won the first meeting 4-2 in Columbus, while the Devils were better 5-3 in New Jersey less than a week ago. The Devils won three of the last four H2Hs at Columbus, and considering the current form of both teams, I am backing the visitors to get another W here. With Merzlikins out due to personal reasons, Tarasov will start at the goal for the hosts, which is a great opportunity for the Devils to exploit as Tarasov has been weak this season.