Last night, the New Jersey Devils mini two-game winning streak came to an end. They dropped by a score of 6-3 against the visiting Washington Capitals, putting them at 2-2 since Taylor Hall last played a game in a Devils’ jersey.

The Devils don’t have much turnover before they hit the ice again. Friday’s game was at the Prudential Center, but Saturday’s matchup will be in Ohio versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. While the Devils thought they “won the offseason”, the Blue Jackets had a summer that saw their best players leave.

Players To Watch

Kyle Palmieri

Palmieri is working on a three-game point streak, including the Devils’ first goal on Friday night. The Devils’ resident ace might be getting attention for different reasons. A late-night trade rumor from the reliable source Incarcerated Bob places Palmieri’s name in possible trade talks. Take it with a grain of salt.

PK Subban

The one time Norris Trophy winner has struggled to score all season. He broke a 20-plus game point drought with an assist last night. Maybe the flood gates will open?

Gustav Nyquist

After losing the likes of Matt Duchene and Artemi Panarin, Nyquist has a big hole to fill. He signed with Columbus this offseason in a summer where big names where leaving Columbus. He’s the Blue Jackets’ top scorer, with 25 points in 35 games.

Keys To Victory

Home and Home: Playing back-to-back games are never optimal, but they’re even tougher on the road. The Devils at least had the first half at their friendly confines. Not only do they have a short turnover to play, but an even shorter turnover filled with travel.

Goaltending: With Domingue still out, Blackwood might be starting his second game in a row. Will he bounce back from a loss? Or will he be too tired to perform? Hopefully, he doesn’t hear the cannon sounding off too much behind him.

Late Period Goals: The Devils surrendered multiple late-period goals last night, and that was a major reason for defeat. They need to learn to play a consistent 20 minutes before checking out.

Projected Lineups

New Jersey Devils

Alain Nasreddine isn’t holding media availability until 4:30. Check back on our social media pages for any lineup updates.

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Nyquist-Jenner-Bjorkstrand
• Texier-Dubois-Robinson
• Foligno-Wennberg-Atkinson
• Dan-Nash-Stenlund

• Werenski-Jones
• Kukan-Savard
• Gavrikov-Harrington

• Korpisalo, Merzlikins

Where To Watch

Tonight’s 7:00 matchup can be seen on MSG+. The Devils pregame starts at 6:30.

Prediction

3-2 Devils. Hopefully.