The Columbus Blue Jackets are nipping at the New Jersey Devils' heels for a playoff spot. The New York Rangers are playing like they were in the beginning of the season. New York's other team is on a winning streak, and the Flyers look competent. Things are getting close in the Metropolitan Division.
With more than half of the 2024-25 NHL season completed, the playoff race is taking shape. The Devils are currently in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 62 points. They are four points away from second place, but Columbus is only seven points away from overtaking the Devils for one of those three Metro playoff spots.
“All of us, we really want to get in the playoffs,” Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins said after their Saturday night 3-2 overtime win over Los Angeles. “I have really good faith and belief that we can really make it this year.”
The Devils are most recently coming off a 4-2 loss in Philadelphia against the Flyers on Monday. As previously mentioned, over half the league season is over. And with how close teams like Columbus are to the Devils in the standings — more losses is really something New Jersey absolutely cannot afford.
New Jersey Devils slide has made playoff race too close for comfort
According to the NHL, the Blue Jackets have beaten some of the NHL’s best teams this season, including wins against three of the four division leaders. They have a good mix of players performing at a star level, youngsters who have long been projected for stardom coming into their own, and veteran role players who have added leadership and experience. They’ve been one of the top-scoring teams in the league all season and recently have seen a jump in improvement with their defense and goaltending.
The last time the Columbus Blue Jackets (24-19-7) made the playoffs in an 82-game schedule was around six years ago. Clearly, they're making a strong bid to get back there.
But so are the New York Rangers (24-22-4), who are fifth in the division behind the Blue Jackets with 52 points. The Rangers currently sit a mere three points out of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference
Playoff Franchise History
Since 1983, the New Jersey Devils have made the playoffs 23 times out of 42 seasons — with three championships. In the past 10 seasons, the Devils have only made the playoffs two times and featured one playoff series win.
Obviously, the New Jersey team and fans alike are hungry for a playoff appearance. With teams like Columbus and the Rangers inching closer to the Devils in the standings, New Jersey really needs to pick up the pace.
Despite captain Nico Hischier being considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury, right wing Nathan Bastian said it provides an opportunity for the Devils to demonstrate that they can still go the distance.
“That’s a guy we lean on for so much ... When he’s gone you need a collection of guys to step up, probably everyone, not just a few," Bastian said. "Hopefully in times like that we can come together and show that we can miss our top guys and we’re still the team that we are.”