New Jersey Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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This matchup sets up as a classic form vs urgency spot. The New Jersey Devils arrive in Columbus struggling to stop the bleeding, while the Columbus Blue Jackets have quietly put together one of their better stretches of the season. With the market sitting near a pick’em, this game comes down to momentum, goaltending stability, and which team is better positioned to dictate pace. Be ready for the NHL action with our free NHL picks.
Game Overview
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, with coverage on ESPN+.
- Moneyline: Devils -108 | Blue Jackets -112
- Total: 6.5 (Over +110, Under -130)
- Puck Line: Devils +1.5 (-258) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+210)
New Jersey Devils Breakdown
The Devils come in at 20-17-2 (10-10-0 away) and trending in the wrong direction. They’ve lost four straight, including a 4–0 shutout loss in Toronto, and have scored just five total goals over their last four games. Offensively, New Jersey is averaging 2.71 goals per game, but that number has dipped significantly during this skid.
Goaltending has been inconsistent. Jake Allen has been the steadier option (2.54 GAA, .910 SV%), while Jacob Markstrom has struggled (3.33 GAA, .883 SV%). Defensively, the Devils allow 3.00 goals per game, and late-game breakdowns have been a recurring issue.
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Offensively, much of the burden has fallen on Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, but secondary scoring has dried up. The Devils are generating shots (29.5 per game), yet finishing has been a problem.
Columbus Blue Jackets Breakdown
Columbus enters at 17-15-6 (8-6-3 home) and playing some of their most confident hockey of the season. The Blue Jackets have won three straight, including solid wins over the Islanders and Senators, allowing just three total goals across those victories.
Defensively, Columbus still shows season-long vulnerability (3.34 GAA), but recent play suggests improvement. Jet Greaves has been excellent during this stretch (2.60 GAA, .909 SV%) and provides a much calmer presence than Elvis Merzlikins.
Offensively, this team runs through Zach Werenski, who leads the club in points, goals, and assists. Columbus averages 2.95 goals per game, and their ability to create offense from the blue line has been a key difference-maker at home.
Betting Matchup and Key Angles
- Devils have lost 4 straight, scoring 1 goal or fewer in three of those games
- Blue Jackets have won 3 straight, allowing just 1.0 goal per game in that span
- Columbus has been stronger at home, while New Jersey is exactly .500 on the road
- The Under is 4–1 in New Jersey’s last five games due to offensive struggles
Best Picks and Predictions
Best Bet: Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline (-112) Columbus is playing the better hockey right now, defending with more structure, and getting stronger goaltending. New Jersey’s offense looks disconnected, and until that changes, backing them on the road is risky. I’m backing the Blue Jackets on the moneyline (-112). Columbus is clearly in the better rhythm right now, and their recent defensive play gives me more confidence than what I’ve seen from New Jersey. The Devils are generating shots but not converting, and until they show signs of finishing consistently, I’m comfortable siding with the hotter home team in this spot.
Lean: Under 6.5 (-130) The Devils’ scoring drought combined with Columbus’s recent defensive form points toward a lower-scoring game, especially if Greaves gets the start again. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Blue Jackets with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on the Devils by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Devils vs Blue Jackets bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
Final Score Prediction
Blue Jackets 3, Devils 2
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