Tuesday night, the New Jersey Devils won a crucial game against the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3 to improve to 35-25-6 on the season.
Recap
Period One
The Devils got out to a lightning quick start. Things started out on the power play where after Timo Meier missed an open net off a feed from Jesper Bratt, Bratt was able to regather the puck and make another nice feed to Nico Hischier who redirected the puck near side on Elvis Merzlikins. Shortly after, it was Columbus going to the power play, and the Devils scoring right after it. Paul Cotter, fresh out of the box, was shot out of a cannon and went five-hole on Merzlikins to put New Jersey up 2-0.
Just when fans thought the period would end that way, Cody Glass slid a puck to Bratt who got a quick release off past the Columbus netminder. The Devils would score three in the first for the first time this season to lead 3-0 after one.
Period Two
Columbus would be the ones to start this period out on the front foot. Just 3:30 in, former first-round pick Denton Mateychuk fired a puck on net that was tipped by Matthew Olivier. Columbus was then able to cut the lead to one on a nice passing play ending on the stick of Kirill Marchenko. The Devils were able to grab the momentum back in the back-half of the period however, which resulted in a Timo Meier goal to make it 4-2. That would be the score after two periods.
Period Three
The third period started off with a bang as Luke Hughes whipped home a shot from the blue line just 26 seconds in. The Devils would take things slow, trying to defend their lead the rest of the game. However, an unlucky bounce off the stick of Bratt would give Matthew Olivier his second of the game. Even despite this, the Devils were able to hang on and win the game 5-3. A huge two points against a division rival.
Game Notes
Glasstastic
Cody Glass was acquired to be a depth piece down the stretch at the trade deadline. He’s been more than that in his first two games with the team. Not only does Glass have a goal and two assists (both primary), but he’s also provided excellent defense. If he can keep this up down the stretch, maybe the Devils won’t be missing Jack Hughes as much as originally thought.
March Meier
Timo Meier went the entire month of February without scoring a goal. He now has three goals and an assist in five games in March. His hot play during the month of March isn’t anything new though, as last year Meier put up an impressive 13 goals and 20 points in 15 games during the month. This included his first hat trick as a Devil against the Blues.
If the Devils could get this production out of Meier throughout March and down the stretch it would be massive. This, especially, given the absence of Jack Hughes.
What’s Next?
Next up, the Devils brace for Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, who are slated to visit the Prudential Center Thursday night. The game is set for a 7:30 pm ET puck drop.