The Columbus Blue Jackets, fresh off of breaking their nine game losing streak in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, headed out on the road to take on the New Jersey Devils in a Black Friday matinee at the Prudential Center.
The Jackets did not make any lineup changes, and Elvis Merzlikins got the start in net. Here’s what happened.
First Period
Columbus goal (1-0): Jenner from Gaudreau, 10:40
New Jersey goal (1-1): Holtz from Palat, 13:15
Columbus goal (2-1): Robinson from Danforth and Gudbranson, 19:23
Second Period
No scoring in the second! Patrik Laine missed the start of the period while getting repairs from taking a high sticking penalty late in the first period, but he was able to return midway through the second.
New Jersey was booed off the ice by the home fans.
Third Period
The Devils made a monstrous push in the third period but Columbus was able to weather the storm and keep the Devils off the scoreboard and see out the win. Not the best third period, but the Jackets did just enough to earn their second win in a row.
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 New Jersey Devils 1
Final Thoughts
Alexandre Texier did not make the trip to New Jersey and is considered day to day, per Mark Scheig. He could join the team in Carolina – he is still ill.
Boone Jenner, with his first period goal and 11th of the season, is now just three goals off the league lead this season. Just like we all drew it up.
A terrible Jake Bean turnover led to the first New Jersey goal. I know Jarmo thinks he can trade one of these poor defensemen, but it’s just not happening. Waiving one of Bean or Peeke would be addition by subtraction.
Patrik Laine cannot catch a break. Whether it’s poor play, getting scratched and not playing at all, or terrible injury luck, he just needs something positive to go his way. Today, he was high stocked in the face and missed half of the first and most of the second period getting repairs. Laine needs a few good bounces to go his way more than almost any other player in the league right now.
Johnny Gaudreau had a nice assist on the Jenner goal, but he is snake bit shooting the puck. It’s nice to see that his playmaking is still there right now, but he cannot buy a goal. Hopefully that trend reverses sooner rather than later.
Elvis Merzlikins made 40 saves to earn the win in this one. The Jackets needed this type of goaltending this season, and Elvis has lived up to the standard thus far this year. Tonight was a great outing by the netminder.
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their road trip, heading south to take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Faceoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET.