Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
In their previous encounters, the Columbus Blue Jackets predictably lost, while the New Jersey Devils predictably won. Will the Devils win again this time?
Columbus Blue Jackets
It's incredibly tough to put up a resistance against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Only league leaders are capable of such feats, so the Blue Jackets' defeat (3:5) isn't particularly surprising. However, the Lightning, and now the New Jersey Devils, benefit from the timing of their encounters with the Blue Jackets. In the latter half of November, they won five times and lost just once in overtime. But following this period, the situation changed dramatically: only one win out of eight losses, two of which were in extra time.
New Jersey Devils
Since the start of December, the Devils have only been beaten by playoff-ready opponents—the Washington Capitals (5:6), Colorado Avalanche (0:4), and Toronto Maple Leafs (1:2 OT). Even teams from this level, like the Los Angeles Kings, aren't assured success against them (3:1). As for away games, the Devils have secured eight wins out of nine recently.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New Jersey Devils Prediction
The Columbus Blue Jackets are clearly not in the same league as the Washington Capitals right now, so they're likely to lose. As for the margin? It could vary, but last season it was -3 (3:6, 1:4). We're backing an outright win for the visitors.
