Brian Dumoulin scored 90 seconds into overtime to give the New Jersey Devils a 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, officially ending Boston’s season and marking their first playoff miss since 2016.
Timo Meier led the Devils with a goal and two assists, while Jake Allen made 20 saves. Dawson Mercer also contributed a goal and an assist. New Jersey had already secured a playoff berth and is set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the opening round.
David Pastrnak finished with a goal and an assist for Boston, capping his season with 106 points — his third consecutive 100-point campaign. Jeremy Swayman recorded 21 saves in the loss.
Harvard product John Farinacci made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal, trimming Boston’s deficit to 4-3 late in the second period.
Game Takeaways
Devils: Snapped a three-game skid heading into their regular-season finale.
Bruins: Finished with the worst record in the Atlantic Division and are likely bound for a high pick in the NHL Draft Lottery.
Key Moment
Stefan Noesen and Simon Nemec scored 30 seconds apart early in the second period to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead for the Devils — a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the night.
Key Stat
Interim coach Joe Sacco, who took over on Nov. 19, led the Bruins to a 25-30-7 record. Former coach Jim Montgomery, who was fired midseason despite historic success two years ago, now coaches the St. Louis Blues.
Looking Ahead
Devils: Host the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday to close the regular season.
Bruins: Their season concludes without a playoff appearance for the first time in nearly a decade.
