The New Jersey Devils broke their two-game losing streak with a decisive 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night, thanks to a four-goal surge in the second period.
During the Devils’ explosive second period, Alexander Holtz, Nico Hischier, and Nathan Bastian scored within 6:03. John Marino also scored, and Vitek Vanecek made 28 saves, helping New Jersey win its third out of four matchups with Columbus this season. The victory moved the Devils within two points of Tampa Bay and Detroit for the Eastern Conference wild-card spots.
“We played solid throughout the game,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff. “Our checking was effective, and we created numerous opportunities by maintaining good positions and initiating foot races.”
Cole Sillinger scored the lone goal for Columbus, with Elvis Merzlikins making 29 saves. The Blue Jackets have lost four of their last five games and have yet to win consecutive home games this season.
Sillinger gave Columbus an early lead at 4:21 of the first period, scoring off a behind-the-back, through-the-legs pass from Yegor Chinakhov. Johnny Gaudreau’s secondary assist extended his point streak to three games.
The Devils equalized 28 seconds into the second period with Marino’s shot through the slot.
“We’ve been focusing on getting players in front of the net and obstructing the goalie’s vision,” said Marino.
New Jersey took control with a three-goal burst midway through the second period. Holtz scored on an open net at 8:40, marking his third goal in four games, with Cal Foote assisting for his first point of the season after being called up from the AHL.
Hischier extended the lead to 3-1 with a long-range shot between the circles with 6:29 remaining in the period. Bastian then added another goal with a tap-in from the right side of the crease just 1:12 later, making it a three-goal lead.
“One-on-one battles in the second period, that’s where we faltered,” said Blue Jackets coach Pascale Vincent. “One mistake is in the back of the net.”
Sillinger appeared to score his second goal with 2:19 left in the game, but it was disallowed due to an offside call.
The game saw the return of Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner, who had missed 15 games since Dec. 10 with a broken jaw.
UP NEXT
- Devils: Host Dallas on Saturday night.
- Blue Jackets: Visit Edmonton on Tuesday night.
