New Jersey defeated Columbus 4-1, improving their record to 23-17-3.
The New Jersey Devils jumped back into the win column with a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Friday night.
For the 30th time this season, the Devils surrendered the game's opening goal. Less than five minutes into the game, Cole Sillinger scored his eighth goal of the season. Yegor Chinakhov and Johnny Gaudreau were credited with the assists. It was the Blue Jackets' first shot of the game.
After 20 minutes, the Devils had a 10-5 shot advantage, but Columbus was the team that skated into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.
It took 28 seconds for the Devils to tie the game in the second period.
Defenseman John Marino scored his third goal of the season when his wrist shot got past Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzļikins. His defensive partner, Simon Nemec, collected the assist. The first-year defenseman has 10 points in 22 games.
Alexander Holtz gave the Devils their first lead of the night 8:40 into the middle frame. Cal Foote and Max Willman collected their first assists of the season. The young Swede has three goals in his last four games.
Captain Nico Hischier's wrist shot extended his team's lead five minutes later. His 12th goal of the season was unassisted. New Jersey celebrated their fourth goal of the night a little over a minute later when Nathan Bastian scored his third goal of the season.
After 40 minutes, the Devils had a 4-1 lead over the Blue Jackets.
The Devils played well for most of the third period despite being outshot by the Blue Jackets, 11-9. With eight minutes remaining, Columbus hemmed New Jersey in the their zone, but goaltender Vitek Vanecek stood tall and kept the score 4-1.
With 2:19 left in the game, Sillinger scored his second goal of the game. New Jersey head coach Lindy Ruff successfully challenged the play for off-side, securing his team's 4-1 victory.
Vitek Vanecek made 28 saves on 29 shots and improved his record against the Blue Jackets to 6-0-0.
UP NEXT: The Devils will host the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Jan. 20.
LINES:
Tyler Toffoli - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier - Michael McLeod - Dawson Mercer
Curtis Lazar - Erik Haula - Nathan Bastian
Max Willman - Chris Tierney - Alexander Holtz
John Marino - Simon Nemec
Luke Hughes - Colin Miller
Kevin Bahl - Cal Foote
Vitek Vanecek
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