The New Jersey Devils (35-13-5) defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets (16-34-4) 3-2 on Tuesday. With the game appearing destined for overtime, Ryan Graves stashed home the game-winning goal with 1.4 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Devils improved to 3-0-1 since the All-Star break. New Jersey remains three points behind the Hurricanes for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Game Summary
First Period
It was a relatively even first couple of minutes with neither team gaining a clear upper hand. The Devils had the first chance to do so, getting the game’s first power play seven minutes in. However, they could not take advantage, not getting a single shot on net.
From there, though, the Devils did gain some momentum at five-on-five. Shortly after the man advantage expired, Fabian Zetterlund found Yegor Sharangovich through the slot who fired the puck five-hole to beat Elvis Merzlikins. Sharangovich’s 12th of the year gave the Devils a 1-0 lead 10:46 into the first.
New Jersey maintained the momentum after the goal, but in the final minutes of the period, Columbus took control. That pressure led to a late power play for the Blue Jackets after Erik Haula was called for tripping. Johnny Gaudreau banged home a rebound with just 1.3 seconds left in the frame, as the league’s least successful power play converted with the extra man to tie the game at one.
After one, shots were 12-8 in favor of Columbus. At five-on-five, New Jersey posted a 56.25 Corsi-for percentage (CF%) and a 37.53 expected goals-for percentage (xGF%).
Second Period
To start the middle period, the Devils had an immediate response to Gaudreau’s last-second equalizer. Just seven seconds into the period, John Marino hit Jesper Bratt with a stretch pass to split the defense. The pass, right off the faceoff, was eerily similar to the game winning goal in Edmonton in November. Bratt dangled backhand to forehand, tucking the puck around Merzlikins to restore the Devils’ lead.
However, Columbus was again able to respond moments later. Five minutes into the period, Adam Boqvist picked up a pass from Boone Jenner and beat Vitek Vanecek with a wrist shot from the high slot. The goal was Boqvist’s first of the season, tying the game at two.
In the second period, shots were 12-7 Devils. New Jersey had a 69.70 CF% and a 77.51 xGF% in the frame.
Third Period
Early in the third, the Devils dominated the run of play, but were unable to break the deadlock, despite a steady flow of shot attempts. Midway through the frame, Columbus seized the momentum, though. The Blue Jackets had a great chance to take the lead, heading to the power play with eight minutes to go. However, New Jersey was able to survive the penalty kill and regained their footing.
Entering the closing minutes of regulation, the Devils looked to be heading to overtime for an eighth time in the last ten games. However, with just seconds to go, Ryan Graves had other plans.
After Jesper Boqvist intercepted a pass at his own blue line with 15 seconds left, the Devils surged forward. Ultimately, Michael McLeod stickhandled toward the goal line and slid the puck through the crease. Graves, who had pushed all the way up the ice, tapped the puck into an empty net with 1.4 seconds to go, securing the two points for NJ.
In the third period, shots were 14-12 Blue Jackets, but the Devils had a 58.82 CF% and a 60.29 xGF% at five-on-five.
Wrap Up
Ryan Graves was the only Devil with a multi-point night. He had his first game-winning goal in the NHL alongside an assist on Bratt’s goal. Seven other Devils recorded a point. Vitek Vanecek earned the win for NJ, saving 31 of 33 shots and stopping 0.52 goals above expected (GSAx).
For the game, shots were 33-32 Columbus, but New Jersey controlled the play at five-on-five with a 61.21 CF% and a 62.78 xGF%. Something they have not been doing recently.
Game Notes
Graves-Marino Pairing Dominates
It was a tremendous night for the defensive pairing of Ryan Graves and John Marino. The duo completely dictated the flow of the game at five-on-five.
Marino had a 76.92 CF% and an 81.32 xGF%, both of which led the team. Graves’ 73.17 CF% was second-best to only Marino, and his 77.29 xGF% was third-best behind Marino and Ondrej Palat. While the pair has been used as a “shutdown pairing” for most of the year, their offensive efforts were crucial as well on Tuesday, combining for three points including the game-winning goal.
The Devils needed every bit of that dominant play as well with the other defensive pairs struggling. Jonas Siegenthaler, Damon Severson, and Kevin Bahl all had a 50.00 xGF% or lower while Dougie Hamilton had a 58.55 xGF%.
Top Forward Line Played Well While Together
Entering the contest, the trio of Ondrej Palat, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt had been struggling at times five-on-five. The line had been broken up in Saturday’s shootout loss to Minnesota. Head coach Lindy Ruff actually broke the line up in the third period once again. Tomas Tatar and Ondrej Palat switched lines as Tatar played alongside Bratt and Hischier.
However, this was not through a fault of the top lines’ own. In nearly seven minutes of ice time together, the trio had an 83.33 CF% and an outstanding 95.58 xGF%. They also combined for Jesper Bratt’s goal right off the opening faceoff of the second period. Despite this strong play, Ruff jumbled the lines to try to get more consistency down the lineup with the third line of Tatar, Boqvist, and Mercer having just a 41.11 xGF% together.
The move ultimately paid off with the Devils grabbing a late winner, but it was a very encouraging night for the Devils’ top line.
Vanecek Stays Hot
Vitek Vanecek was once again solid in net for New Jersey. After his ten-game winning streak was snapped on Saturday, he got right back in the win column, stopping 0.52 goals above expected.
For the season, Vanecek now has a 13.36 GSAx in 35 games, and since that win streak began on December 30, he owns a stellar 11.33 GSAx in 12 games. Vanecek is 11-0-1 over that 12 game stretch.
Last season, Devils’ fans longed for league average goaltending as the team languished in the basement of the standings. Now, they are getting play far above league average from Vanecek, which is a massive reason why the team has the third-best record in the NHL.
What’s Next
The Devils continue their road trip on Thursday, taking on the St. Louis Blues at 9:00 p.m. ET. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
Note: All statistics via Natural Stat Trick.