Game Summary
After both Andy Greene and Blake Coleman got traded away, the Devils got off to a rocky start in their game against the Blue Jackets. In what has started to become a trend against New Jersey, Andrew Peeke scored his first NHL goal just two and a half minutes into the game. This followed by Zach Werenski scoring just four minutes later to make it 2-0.
New Jersey would respond strongly in the second period. As they got goals from Joey Anderson, Nick Merkley (his first career NHL goal), and Kyle Palmieri to take the lead, 3-2. Kevin Stenlund would tie the game at 3-3 in the third period, and that score would stand throughout the rest of the game and overtime. Thanks to goals from Nikita Gusev in the third round and Jesper Bratt in the seventh, the Devils took the shootout victory and landed the extra point.
Game Takeaways
- Mackenzie Blackwood had yet another strong outing. Despite allowing three goals, he totaled 52 saves. Thanks to these stops gave his team a chance after falling behind 2-0. Blackwood now holds a .913 save percentage this season while playing on a team that has struggled defensively for most of the season. At only 23 years old, he has taken the role of the number one goaltender. The Devils seem to have found their franchise netminder.
- Nick Merkley had yet another good showing. He scored his first career goal thanks to great positioning and awareness. Through two games, Merkley has shown he continues to deserve an opportunity in the lineup.
- The team showed fortitude in responding strong after falling behind 2-0 early in the first. With all the outside noise leading up to the game and then falling behind so quickly, it seemed like the game could have easily gotten out of hand. However, the Devils pushed back strongly in the second and re-balanced the feel of the game.
The Devils will now travel to take on St. Louis on Tuesday. This before returning home to play the Sharks Thursday and the Capitals on Saturday. Check out all of the game highlights from last night above.