New Jersey Devils: Breakdown of Potential Playoff Opponents

3. Columbus Blue Jackets (3-1-0 vs NJD)

The Blue Jackets have had the Devils’ number ever since they came over to the Eastern Conference in the NHL realignment a few years ago. They’re responsible for the Devils’ worst loss of the season, a 6-1 drubbing in Columbus earlier this year. They also have arguably the best goalie of all of the Devils’ potential playoff opponents, Sergei Bobrovsky.

Bobrovsky is a former Vezina winner and has 37 wins on the season with a 2.42 GAA and .921 save-percentage. He is more than capable of stealing a game or two in the playoffs, something that goalies are asked to do this time of year.

Columbus has three 20 goal scorers, led by Artemi Panarin, who has 82 points on the year. They also have two defenseman who have 16 goals each in Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. Columbus has consistently given the Devils fits and while they have the weakest offense of the potential playoff opponents, they are strong defensively and have one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.