Instead of speculating about potential first-round playoff opponents, the New Jersey Devils are concentrating on ending the NHL regular season strong.
On Thursday night, the Devils did just that, with Jack Hughes scoring twice and assisting on two of Timo Meier’s goals in an 8-1 demolition of the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking their highest offensive output in over four years.
“We have three more games before the playoffs start, and we want to be perfect and ready to go,” Meier said after netting his 39th and 40th goals of the season.
Tomas Tatar, Erik Haula, Damon Severson, and Ryan Graves also scored as the Devils secured their 50th win of the season, just one shy of the franchise record set in 2008-09. Vitek Vanecek made 16 saves, earning his 32nd win and the Devils’ third victory over Columbus this season.
The Devils’ franchise record for goals in a game stands at nine.
Finnish rookie Joona Luoto scored his first NHL goal for an injury-plagued Columbus team. Along with Chicago and Anaheim, the Blue Jackets are contending for the league’s worst record (24-26-8). Blue Jackets starting goalie Michael Hutchinson conceded five goals on 24 shots before being replaced in the third period.
New Jersey excelled in special teams, killing all five Columbus power plays while scoring twice on the power play (Hughes, Meier) and once shorthanded (Severson).
Hughes gave the Devils a permanent lead with an unassisted goal nine seconds after New Jersey killed a Michael McLeod penalty. This marked Hughes’ 41st goal of the season and his 200th career point.
“He’s fun to watch,” Tatar said. “He’s such a tremendous talent, playing fast and skillfully. Hockey seems so easy for him.”
For weeks, it appeared the Devils would face the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. However, this win brought New Jersey within a point of first-place Carolina (109 points) in the Metropolitan Division. With four games left, the Hurricanes were defeated 3-0 by Nashville on Thursday.
“A lot of guys would be excited to play the Rangers,” Hughes said. “But we can’t control that. We have three more games and want to win them all.”
Tatar, Hughes, and Meier increased the lead to 4-1 after two periods, and New Jersey added four more goals in the third.
“There were not many positives for us in that one,” said Columbus forward Sean Kuraly, who assisted on Luoto’s goal. We believe in our guys, which makes it disappointing. This league is full of good teams, and you can’t take nights or shifts off.”
Due to illness, Columbus’ leading scorer, Johnny Gaudreau, left the game after three shifts in the first period.
“He’s dealing with an illness,” said Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen. “He couldn’t get through it. He’s a big part of our team.”
NOTEBOOK:
- The Boqvist brothers, Jesper of the Devils and Adam of the Blue Jackets started the game against each other.
- Devils D Jonas Siegenthaler was benched for the second time this season, with coach Lindy Ruff giving fellow D Brandan Smith some ice time.
- Graves played his 300th NHL game, and Devils D John Marino achieved a career-high with three assists, all in the third period.
NO GOALS:
Both teams had first-period goals disallowed. Tatar’s goal at 12:10 was called off for offside after a challenge from Larsen. Josh Dunne’s breakaway goal for Columbus was waved off after the net came off its moorings following contact with Vanecek.
UP NEXT:
- Blue Jackets: Host the New York Rangers on Saturday.
- Devils: Play at Boston on Saturday night.
