Blue Jackets prepare for New Year's Eve rematch with Devils

The Columbus Blue Jackets meet the New Jersey Devils on New Year's Eve after a 5-3 Blue Jackets win over New Jersey on Dec. 1; the Devils have lost four straight games.

Columbus hosts New Jersey at Nationwide Arena on New Year's Eve, a date that drew attention after the teams met on Dec. 1. That earlier game ended in a 5-3 Blue Jackets win and featured multiple fights and many penalty minutes, which has added context to the rematch. Since then, Columbus has made roster additions and seen some players return from injury. New Jersey enters the game on a losing streak and is looking to regain form. What we know so far: - The Blue Jackets beat the Devils 5-3 on Dec. 1 in Newark; that game included several fights and a high total of penalty minutes, reported as making the rematch notable. - Mathieu Olivier has returned from an upper-body injury and recently skated in a game that included a fight, and Mason Marchment was acquired earlier this month and has begun his Blue Jackets tenure with a multi-game point streak, as reported. - Columbus remains without defenseman Zach Werenski because of a lower right leg injury, and Dysin Mayo was recalled from AHL Cleveland after another defenseman was hurt. - The Devils have lost four straight games following a 13-4-1 start and were shut out 4-0 in Toronto most recently. - There is some lineup uncertainty for Columbus, including the late scratch status reported for center Sean Monahan. Summary: A Blue Jackets win would help their position in the Eastern Conference and could move them past several teams including New Jersey. The matchup will highlight whether Columbus's added size and returning players change the team's physical approach, while New Jersey aims to end its recent losing run. The immediate outcome and its effects on both clubs' trajectories will become clearer after the game.