Devils vs. Blue Jackets Preview: 3 Keys to Victory

The New Jersey Devils return to the ice after the Christmas break to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here are three keys to victory

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The New Jersey Devils return to the ice tonight after the three-day Christmas break to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here are three keys to victory as the Devils look to come out of the pause on a winning note. 

Devils Need to Start Fast

Slow starts have been a problem for the Devils all season. They've given up the first goal in 23 of their first 32 games, including their 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 23, just before the Christmas break began. 

It was also a problem in the Devils' first matchup against the Blue Jackets this season. The Devils need to come out of the gate hot tonight and impose their will on the Blue Jackets. It might be easier said than done since there was a three-day layoff, but they need to get out of the habit of starting slow. 

They aren't as dominant a five-on-five team as a season ago, especially with Dougie Hamilton out indefinitely. So they can't rely on coming back every game, especially against better competition.  

Part of the Devils' slow starts have been due to their star players taking time to get their legs going. So this is where Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier need to take over early in a game. 

With the team having had three days off and playing the eighth-place team in the Metropolitan Division, a fast start will help relieve any pressure they feel trying to come back as they did the first time they played the Blue Jackets. 

Meier Starting to Cook 

Timo Meier had one of his best games of the season against the Red Wings, as he totaled two goals and finished second in Game Score to Dawson Mercer. Part of that is likely due to him getting healthier, but Devils coach Lindy Ruff has found a good line combo for him.