Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer each struck in the dying moments of power plays to propel the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night — marking their second straight win on the road.
Mercer added an empty-net goal with 56 seconds remaining, sealing the outcome despite a late Columbus push. Goaltender Jake Allen made 23 saves through the first two periods in his season debut before exiting with cramps. Jacob Markstrom took over in the third, turning aside eight shots to secure the win.
Kirill Marchenko continued his hot streak with his fourth goal in three games for Columbus, while Dmitri Voronkov also found the net. Jet Greaves stopped 25 shots, but the Blue Jackets dropped their home opener for the fourth consecutive season.
Meier gave New Jersey the early lead, scoring with just one second left on a first-period power play — despite the Devils being outshot 16-8 in the frame. Marchenko tied the game midway through the second period on a breakaway, but Mercer responded minutes later, again capitalizing on a late power play to restore the lead.
Voronkov’s goal with 20 seconds remaining cut the deficit to one, but it wasn’t enough to erase Mercer’s earlier insurance tally.
Special teams woes continued to plague Columbus, which has now conceded seven power-play goals on 16 opportunities this season. The Blue Jackets also went 0-for-5 with the man advantage against New Jersey.
Up Next:
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Devils: Return home to face the Florida Panthers on Thursday.
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Blue Jackets: Continue their homestand Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche.
