Devils vs. Blue Jackets Preview: 2 Points a Must

After a disappointing loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils have to come away with 2 points against the Columbus Blue Jackets

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To say the New Jersey Devils need a win tonight would be an understatement. After a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens a couple of nights ago, they travel to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets in a must-win game. Here are three things to watch. 

Early Sense of Urgency 

For whatever reason, the Devils seem to get off to slow starts more often than not. They've given up the first goal in 29 of 42 games, and it becomes difficult to get the results you want when you're playing from behind that frequently. 

One would think the Blue Jackets present a prime opportunity for the Devils to get off to a fast start. But the Blue Jackets have actually been a decent first-period team, scoring 44 goals in the opening frame, the sixth-best mark in the NHL. 

The Devils can't take the Blue Jackets lightly early on, especially since Columbus has been playing better lately. They've turned to a brand of low-event hockey, which has improved their defensive numbers. The Blue Jackets are giving up 2.37 expected goals per 60 minutes over their last ten games, a solid rate that shows they've tightened up on defense. 

Because of that, the Devils need to play with a sense of urgency and like a desperate team from the opening faceoff. They have a winning record when scoring the first goal this season, with their most recent win coming against the Florida Panthers. Notch a couple of early goals, and they have an easier path to victory. 

If there's a silver lining, it's that the Devils are on the road, where they're 13-7-1. Perhaps that's what they need to get off to a quick start against a team they have to beat. 

Breaking Up Nemec & Marino