Monday, the New Jersey Devils won their second consecutive game, 3-1. The win came in Columbus against the Blue Jackets, on the final game of a season-opening road trip. The win propels New Jersey to 2-1-0 on the season.
Recap
Period One
The Devils got off to a slow start in Columbus, not helped by a four-minute high-sticking penalty by Dougie Hamilton on his former teammate Miles Wood. However, after killing it off, the Devils got a power-play chance of their own. On that ensuing power play, Timo Meier whacked home a go-ahead goal. After a tumultuous start to the period, New Jersey settled in and took a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
Period Two
The Devils carried their good end to the first into the second period, but it was Columbus who scored next to tie the game. Jack Hughes turned the puck over at the Devils blueline and Kirill Marchenko didn’t miss on the breakaway to even the score. Shortly after, the Devils would be sent on another power play where this time the second unit came through.
Arseny Gritsyuk laid a perfect pass to Dawson Mercer who fired home a one-timer to put New Jersey back in front. No more scoring occurred in the second period, so the Devils stayed in front 2-1 at the intermission.
Period Three
After Jake Allen, who played sensational, was removed from the game to start the third period becaused of cramping, Jacob Markström filled in and the Devils were able to lock things down for him. Both teams had their chances, but nothing substantial.
In the waning minutes, Columbus pulled the goalie, and Dawson Mercer made them pay. Mercer sealed the deal with an empty netter to put New Jersey up 3-1. The Jackets got one back with about 20 seconds to go, but it wasn’t enough. The Devils held on to take this one 3-2.
Game Notes
Goalie Injuries
Both of the goaltenders suffered injuries Monday which doesn’t bode well moving forward. Jake Allen didn’t come out of the tunnel to start the third period, the team later reported he had cramping, which is encouraging. The hope is that he will be ready to go by the Devils next game on Thursday. Meanwhile, Jacob Markström came up lame on the Blue Jacket’s second goal. He stayed in the game, but rushed off the ice when the game ended. There is no update on the Devils starting netminder as of now.
Goaltending was one of the main reasons New Jersey was able to emerge victorious on Monday. Allen and Markström combined to save 31-of-33 and 0.81 goals above expected.
Timo Time
Timo Meier has two goals and an assist over his first three games this season. On top of that, he has driven play while on the ice, especially in the Devils two wins.
Monday night, Meier led the team with a 63.64 Corsi-for percentage (CF%) and a 72.98 expected goals percentage (xG%). It certainly seems like Meier is primed for his best season yet in New Jersey, which would be massive in their hopes of being a legitimate championship contender.
What’s Next
The Devils’ next game is their home opener Thursday night against the Florida Panthers at 7:00 pm ET.