The Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils will square off tonight in a game carrying a ton of weight in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
My Devils vs. Blue Jackets predictions expect the star players to shine offensively in what should be a compelling matchup.
Let’s break things down further with my Monday, March 17 NHL picks.
Devils vs Blue Jackets prediction
My best bet: Nico Hischier Over 2.5 shots on goal (+110 at bet365)
My analysis
Injuries to Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton have removed a lot of offense from the New Jersey Devils lineup, especially when it comes to generating shots.
Hughes leads the Devils in SOG and attempts by a wide margin while Hamilton ranks Top-6 among NHL defensemen in both categories.
Plenty of the shot-generating responsibility is being shifted to other players as a result. Nico Hischier is one guy who has been heavily relied upon to pick up the slack.
Hischier has attempted at least six shots in four of five games without either teammate in the lineup, including a nine-attempt performance against these Columbus Blue Jackets.
That uptick in attempts is noteworthy as Hischier has cleared 2.5 shots in 85% of his games this season when attempting six or more.
The volume should continue against the Blue Jackets, who have allowed at least 28 shots on goal in seven of their last eight games.
They’ve struggled at 5-on-5 as well as on the penalty kill, ranking Bottom-5 in shot suppression in both game states over the past 10.
Hischier has been much more of a focal point on the power play, leading the Devils in shots and attempts on the man advantage without Hughes and Hamilton.
It’s a great positional matchup for Hischier as well. The Blue Jackets have conceded the fourth-most shots to centers over the last 10 games.
Hischier had five shots on goal against Columbus just a few games ago and will get the job done once again.
Devils vs Blue Jackets same-game parlay (SGP)
Nico Hischier Over 2.5 shots
Zach Werenski Over 2.5 shots
Zach Werenski Over 0.5 points
Zach Werenski is an absolute monster on home ice, averaging a ridiculous 4.3 shots on 7.8 attempts in Columbus this season. Those outputs are far better than what he’s managed on the road, where he’s produced just 2.8 shots per night.
The Devils are a strong shot-suppression team that focuses on taking away the middle of the ice, leading to an influx of perimeter shots, which is why they’ve conceded the second-most shots to defensemen over the last 10 games.
Columbus is desperate for points and is ramping up Werenski’s usage even more than usual. He's logged at least 26 minutes of ice in eight of his last nine and 28+ minutes in six of seven.
Werenski has averaged 4.9 shots on goal per game at home this season when playing 26 minutes or more. I also like his chances of hitting the scoresheet as he's put up 30 points over his last 20 games in Columbus.
He has produced 3+ points more times (four) than he’s been held pointless (three) during that span. The Devils have been a little leakier of late, allowing 23 goals over their last six games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Devils vs Blue Jackets odds
Devils vs Blue Jackets live odds
Devils vs Blue Jackets opening odds
- Puck line: New Jersey -1.5 (+188) | Columbus +1.5 (-222)
- Moneyline: New Jersey -131 | Columbus +116
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-113) | Under 6 (-101)
Devils vs Blue Jackets trend
Zach Werenski has recorded a point in both games against New Jersey this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Blue Jackets.
How to watch Devils vs Blue Jackets
| Location | Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN |
| Date | Monday, 3-17-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSGSN, FanDuel Sports Network-Ohio |
Devils vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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