Betting tips from AI for Columbus Blue Jackets vs New Jersey Devils, 01 January 2026.

Columbus arrives with clear momentum — back-to-back wins (4-2 vs Islanders on Dec 28, 3-1 in LA on Dec 23) and recent head-to-head success over New Jersey (5-3 on Dec 2, 3-2 on Oct 13). The Devils look shorthanded: Sean Monahan questionable, Isac Lundestrom out, Brendan Smith doubtful, and a draining 4-3 OT loss leaves them vulnerable.

Markets are tight but informative: Columbus 1.90 vs New Jersey 1.99 (draw 4.20). Despite MoneyPuck favoring Jersey for the season, the matchup, home ice and injuries tilt this single-game edge to Columbus — I back the Blue Jackets at these lines for the best $1 expected return.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are entering this contest with significant momentum, having secured back-to-back victories, including an impressive 4-2 win against the Islanders and a road triumph in LA. This contrasts sharply with the New Jersey Devils, who are reeling from a frustrating 4-3 overtime loss to Washington and grappling with a mounting injury list. Key centers Sean Monahan (questionable) and Isac Lundestrom (sidelined), alongside defenseman Brendan Smith (iffy), present major lineup headaches for the Devils.

Adding to Columbus's confidence, they've dominated recent head-to-head matchups, beating New Jersey 5-3 and 3-2 earlier this season. While MoneyPuck models give the Devils a better long-term playoff outlook, the immediate situation strongly favors the home side. With their current form, historical dominance against the Devils, and the opponent's injury woes, the Blue Jackets at 1.90 offer compelling value.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have momentum firmly on their side heading into this matchup. Their recent back-to-back wins against the Islanders and LA show they're hitting their stride, while the Devils are coming off a deflating overtime loss to Washington. The head-to-head record is particularly telling—Columbus has taken down New Jersey twice already this season, including a convincing 5-3 win just a month ago.

The Devils' injury concerns can't be overlooked. With Monahan questionable, Lundestrom sidelined, and Smith potentially out, they're facing significant lineup challenges. These absences could prove costly against a Columbus team gaining confidence with each win.

Despite the Devils having better season-long projections (36% playoff chances vs. Columbus' 23%), recent form and head-to-head dominance make the Blue Jackets at 1.90 the smarter play. Home ice advantage should further cement Columbus' edge in what's becoming a one-sided rivalry.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are entering this New Year's Day clash with undeniable swagger, fresh off back-to-back triumphs that have them buzzing. Their 4-2 home demolition of the Islanders on December 28 and a gritty 3-1 road win in LA on the 23rd showcase a team finding its groove at the perfect time. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are licking wounds from a gut-wrenching 4-3 overtime defeat to Washington just two days ago, compounded by mounting injury concerns—center Sean Monahan is questionable with an undisclosed issue, Isac Lundestrom is out with a lower-body injury from December 29, and defenseman Brendan Smith is iffy too.

Head-to-head, Columbus has owned the Devils recently, stunning them 5-3 on December 2 and squeaking out a 3-2 victory on October 13. That momentum, paired with home-ice advantage, tilts the scales heavily in the Jackets' favor despite MoneyPuck's broader projections giving Jersey a slight edge in playoff odds (36% vs. Columbus's 23%).

With odds listing Columbus at 1.90 and the Devils at 1.99, the slight underdog value on Jersey tempts, but the Blue Jackets' form screams value on the home side. For a $1 bet, I'm riding the hot hand—Columbus to win outright, banking on their recent dominance to cash in profitably.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are riding high with back-to-back wins, including a convincing 4-2 victory over the Islanders, showcasing their offensive spark. In contrast, the New Jersey Devils are hampered by injuries, with Sean Monahan questionable and key players sidelined, following a frustrating overtime loss. Head-to-head history heavily favors Columbus, who have won both meetings this season.

With the Devils' lineup in disarray and the Blue Jackets' momentum surging, the odds of 1.90 for a Columbus win present solid value, leveraging home-ice advantage and recent form over long-term playoff projections.

The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this matchup with undeniable momentum, fresh off two impressive victories that showcased both their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Their recent 5-3 triumph over the Devils on December 2 serves as a psychological edge, proving they can handle New Jersey’s style of play even when the chips are down. The Devils, meanwhile, limp into this contest after an overtime loss to Washington and face significant injury concerns. Losing key contributors like Sean Monahan and Isac Lundestrom could cripple their depth, especially against a Blue Jackets squad clicking on all cylinders.

From a betting perspective, the odds tell an intriguing story. Columbus is listed at 1.90, suggesting they’re slight favorites in this clash. While New Jersey’s playoff probability might be higher according to advanced metrics, those numbers reflect long-term projections rather than immediate form. At 1.99, the Devils present value only if their lineup stabilizes—and there’s no guarantee of that given their current injury woes. A draw at 4.20 is tempting but unlikely given the NHL’s low frequency of ties combined with Columbus’ recent dominance in head-to-head matchups.

Considering these factors, backing the Blue Jackets seems like the smart move. They’ve outplayed the Devils recently, boast better form, and will enjoy home-ice advantage—a critical intangible in tightly contested games.