Blue Jackets – Devils preview

With just ten games remaining, the Columbus Blue Jackets have resorted to the role of the spoiler. On Tuesday, the Blue Jackets will head East and take on the New Jersey Devils. This will be the first and only time these two teams play during the 2009-2010 season.

The New Jersey Devils are in second place in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind the front running Pittsburgh Penguins. Overall in the Eastern Conference, New Jersey has the third most points, but due to NHL rules, would hold the fourth seed in the postseason. New Jersey has lost two straight games; at Toronto, and at home to St. Louis. The Devils are 24-10-1 at home on the season. Zach Parise is the leading scorer for New Jersey, with 37 assists and 33 goals, including the game winner in Monday’s win over Boston. The Devils have scored 20 more goals than their opponents this season; 189 – 169. The Devils are 6-9-1 against the Western Conference.

Columbus is coming off the 1-0 overtime loss to Nashville on Saturday night. With 12 overtime losses, that ranks third most in the Western Conference, behind only Detroit and Dallas. The Blue Jackets have struggled on the road this season, winning just 11 of 36. The Blue Jackets have allowed 229 goals and scored 187 on the season. When playing against teams from the Eastern Conference, Columbus is 7-5-2.