Elvis Merzlikins delivered an impressive performance with 37 saves, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Boone Jenner and Eric Robinson scored early goals to secure the win.
Blue Jackets’ Early Advantage
Columbus secured their second consecutive win following a nine-game losing streak, while the Devils continued their struggles, losing their third straight and sixth in seven games.
“Since the beginning of the season, he’s been really good for us,” Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent said of Merzlikins. “Elvis has been through a lot, and it’s good to see the team regrouping around him and playing the right way in front of him.”
First Period Highlights
Jenner scored at 10:04 of the first period with his 11th goal of the season, assisted by Johnny Gaudreau. Devils forward Alexander Holtz tied the game at 13:15 with a wrist shot for his fifth goal of the season, assisted by Ondrej Palat.
Robinson netted his first goal of the season at 19:23, beating Devils goalie Akira Schmid on a breakaway. Assists came from Justin Danforth and Erik Gudbranson.
“Whenever you play, you want to make an impact,” Robinson said. “To get a goal was a really good feeling. For the team to come together and get a win on the road, everyone bought in.”
Devils’ Power Play Struggles
Despite their top-ranked power play, the Devils couldn’t capitalize on a four-minute power play late in the first period or a man-advantage opportunity early in the third, with Merzlikins making key saves on Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes.
Game Summary
New Jersey’s sluggish start resulted in only six shots in the first period. They dominated the third period but could not beat Merzlikins for the tying goal.
“I didn’t like our start,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “And I didn’t like that late first-period goal. Those are killers.”
In the third period, Schmid made 26 saves, including a breakaway stop on Gaudreau.
“We have to go out and play better,” Jack Hughes said, who had eight shots in his third game back from an upper-body injury.
Former Devils defenseman Damon Severson missed the game due to an upper-body injury. Severson signed an eight-year contract with Columbus last summer after nine seasons with New Jersey.
Upcoming Games
- Devils: Host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
- Blue Jackets: Visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.
