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When it comes to professional ice hockey, the NHL is the premier league in North America. With 32 teams, the league is divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference, there are two teams that are frequently compared: the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils. In this post, we will examine the history, strengths, and weaknesses of each team to determine which one is the better franchise.
07 APRIL 2023
TIME: 07:00 PM ET
History
The Columbus Blue Jackets joined the NHL as an expansion team in 2000. Since then, they have only made the playoffs five times and have never advanced past the second round. The team has had several notable players throughout its history, including Rick Nash, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Seth Jones. However, the Blue Jackets have struggled to find consistent success on the ice.
The New Jersey Devils, on the other hand, have a storied history in the NHL. They were founded in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts and moved to New Jersey in 1982. The Devils have won three Stanley Cup championships (1995, 2000, and 2003) and have made the playoffs 23 times. The team has had several Hall of Fame players, including Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, and Scott Niedermayer.
Strengths
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a strong defensive core. Seth Jones and Zach Werenski are two of the top defensemen in the league, and they provide the Blue Jackets with a solid foundation on the back end. Additionally, the team has some talented forwards, including Patrik Laine and Oliver Bjorkstrand. If the Blue Jackets can find consistent scoring from their forwards, they could be a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.
The New Jersey Devils have a talented group of young players. Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Ty Smith are all under the age of 23 and have shown flashes of brilliance on the ice. Additionally, the team has some veteran players who can still contribute, including Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac. If the Devils can continue to develop their young talent, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
Weaknesses
The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled to find consistent scoring from their forwards. They finished 28th in the league in goals scored last season and were shut out 11 times. If the team wants to compete in the Eastern Conference, they will need their forwards to step up and produce more offense.
The New Jersey Devils have had a weak defense in recent years. They finished 28th in the league in goals against last season and have struggled to keep the puck out of their own net. If the team wants to improve, they will need to address their defensive issues and find a way to tighten up in their own zone.
Comparison
When comparing the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils, there are several factors to consider. The Blue Jackets have a strong defensive core, while the Devils have a talented group of young players. The Blue Jackets have struggled to find consistent scoring from their forwards, while the Devils have had issues with their defense.
In terms of history, the Devils clearly have the edge. They have won three Stanley Cup championships and have made the playoffs 23 times. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have only made the playoffs five times and have never advanced past the second round.
Looking ahead to the future, it is difficult to predict which team will be better. The Blue Jackets have some talented players, but they will need their forwards to step up and produce more offense. The Devils have a group of young players who could develop into stars, but they will need to address their defensive issues.
