The Columbus Blue Jackets could not grab the second point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils. This gives them the chance to even the series in January. Here’s what happened.
Period I
The road team opened the scoring before the midway mark of the first period from defender Jake Bean. His snapper was his second of the season with the assists going to Brendan Gaunce and Alexandre Texier. The offense units got their spread of points in the game.
The road team evened the scoring to conclude first period scoring. Ondrej Palat recorded his fifth goal of the season from Erik Haula and Dawson Mercer.
Period II
Justin Danforth put the Blue Jackets ahead for his ninth goal of the year to get Columbus their second lead of the night. His marker was supported by rookie David Jiricek on the top pair and rookie center Adam Fantilli.
Period III
Three quick goals were scored late to even the game at 3 into the extra time.
Mercer brought the game back to even for his ninth of the season from rookie Simon Nemec.
Yegor Chinakov got an unassisted goal to be the second skater on the Blue Jackets to get 10 goals on the 2023-2024 season.
Luke Hughes got the late game tying goal for his fifth of his rookie season. Brother Jack got the primary assist; Mercer got his third point of the night.
Overtime
Timo Meier, my Devils’ player to watch, recorded the winner halfway into the extra frame for his ninth goal of the season unassisted.
Players to Watch
Damon Severson — played 23:03 TOI with a -1 rating in his first game back in New Jersey against his old team. Needs to get the rust off to get back in the offensive department. Decent night.
Timo Meier — scored the overtime game winning goal for his ninth of the season.
Goaltenders
Elvis Merzlikins allowed 4 goals on 35 shots for a 0.886 save percentage. Anything under a 9 is a call of losing in any city.
Vitek Vanacek continues to struggle with a 0.897 in this game. He allowed 3 goals on 29 shots. Just enough to get by.
CBJ THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Yegor Chinakov — goal (10)
2. Justin Danforth — goal (9)
3. Jake Bean — goal (2)
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»