The NHL continues to deliver unpredictable action, big rallies, and rising parity  and the latest example came from the Columbus Blue Jackets, who stormed back with four unanswered goals to defeat the New Jersey Devils 5–3. The win showcased Columbus’ growing chemistry and the impact of emerging players like Miles Wood and Adam Fantilli.

Meanwhile, the league is already generating buzz for its upcoming holiday-season schedule, which is expected to pack marquee matchups across multiple major leagues, an unofficial mid-season spectacle that keeps fans locked in during winter.

Let’s break down the latest action and what’s ahead.

Blue Jackets Rally With 4 Straight Goals to Beat Devils 5–3

The Devils started strong, controlling the pace early and capitalizing on defensive gaps to build a lead. But Columbus refused to fold.

 Miles Wood Leads the Charge

Former Devil  now Blue Jacket  Miles Wood turned in a standout performance against his old team:

• 1 goal
  
• 1 assist
  
• High-energy forechecking
  
• Momentum-changing play
  

His speed and physicality set the tone for Columbus’ comeback.

 Adam Fantilli Keeps Impressing

Blue Jackets’ young star Adam Fantilli continues showing why he’s considered one of the brightest future faces of the NHL.
He recorded:

• 3 assists
  
• Domination in the transition game
  
• Elite playmaking vision
  

Fantilli was at the center of almost every big Columbus push.

 The Comeback

After falling behind, the Blue Jackets tightened defensively, transitioned cleanly through the neutral zone, and began dictating the tempo.

Their four unanswered goals came through:

• Smarter zone entries
  
• Increased pressure on the forecheck
  
• Controlled defensive recovery
  
• Efficient special-teams execution
  

The Devils couldn’t respond once momentum swung a recurring NHL theme this season as parity continues to shrink the gap between clubs.

Holiday-Season Schedule: A Mini Winter Festival for Hockey Fans

Next up: the NHL’s holiday-season slate, which Ticketmaster’s blog notes has become an “unofficially highlighted” part of the season.

 What Fans Can Expect

The holiday lineup usually brings:

• Rivalry matchups
  
• Outdoor-style atmospheres
  
• High-viewership prime-time games
  
• Cross-league competition (NHL + NBA + NFL on same big weekends)
  
• Packed arenas during winter breaks
  

Between Christmas week and early January, almost every team sees increased fan attention and the league quietly treats this stretch like a mid-season showcase.

 Why It Matters

Holiday games often:

• Boost momentum for teams on the rise
  
• Spotlight young emerging stars
  
• Deliver some of the season’s most exciting hockey
  
• Set the tone for the playoff push in the new year
  

With the league’s scoring surges and unpredictable outcomes this year, fans are expecting one of the most exciting holiday schedules in years.

Parity, Scoring & The “Unpredictability Era” of the NHL

One of the biggest storylines this season has been parity. The league is closer than ever, with even bottom-ranked teams regularly upsetting top contenders. This new balance has created a landscape where:

• No lead is safe
  
• Comebacks like the Blue Jackets’ 5–3 win are becoming more normal
  
• Scoring spikes force teams to adapt quickly
  
• Young players are making immediate impact
  
• Coaches have to manage games more dynamically
  

Teams that can handle momentum swings like Columbus did are thriving.

 The Scoring Boom

NHL offenses continue trending upward thanks to:

• Faster pace of play
  
• Younger, more skilled rosters
  
• More aggressive power-play systems
  
• Defensive rules favoring speed over physicality
  

The result?
More games decided by rallies, more highlight-reel goals, and more unpredictability.

It’s been an electric stretch for the NHL:

• The Blue Jackets’ 5–3 comeback win over the Devils showed resilience, depth, and the rising brilliance of players like Fantilli.
  
• The holiday-season schedule promises fan-energy, big matchups, and a festive hockey atmosphere.
  
• And league-wide parity + scoring unpredictability continue making every night compelling no team, no lead, and no prediction feels safe.
  

The NHL isn’t just competitive, it’s chaotic in the best possible way.