Jake Allen Backstops Devils To 2-1 Victory Over Blue Jackets
The New Jersey Devils will leave Ohio with two points after their 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt each potted their 20th goal of the season, and goaltender Jake Allen made 45 saves on 46 shots.
Mar 17, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Jake Allen (34) stops the wrap around attempt of Columbus Blue Jackets center Mathieu Olivier (24) during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images"It's really ugly," head coach Sheldon Keefe said to NJD.TV. "But guys have to compete. Guys are working hard, they are tired, they are giving it all they have. A desperate opponent coming at us. They are real aggressive, lots of pressure. Hardto make tape-to-tape passes in that environment, so you are under siege. Goaltending was terrific by Jake Allen, and the guys, despite giving one up, the bend-don't-break mentality."
Meier opened the scoring at the 13:35 mark of the second period. In a play that began in the Devils' defensive zone with Nico Hischier, Meier used his size and speed to bury the puck past Blue Jackets' goaltender Jet Greaves.
Less than one minute later, Bratt was able to capitalize on Greaves' mistake behind his net. It marked the Swede's 80th point of the season. Per NHL Pr, Bratt became the third player in franchise history to record consecutive 80-point seasons, joining Zach Parise (2008-09 - 2009-10) and Wilf Paiement (1976-77 - 1977-78).
Mathieu Olivier scored with 6:36 remaining to cut the Devils lead in half. It was the 38th shot Allen faced.
"We won, that is all that matters," Allen said to NJD.TV. "We don't want to be under that much duress. They are a desperate team, and they threw everything they could at the net, and we would have been doing the same thing in that situation. It wasn't pretty. But we found a way to get it done. That's all that matters right now."
The Devils held on to win their 37th win of the season. The club has 80 points and an eight-point lead over the New York Rangers. New Jersey will host the Calgary Flames on Thursday.
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