NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Devils roared back into form last night, delivering a commanding 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at the Prudential Center. This emphatic win halted the Devils’ four-game winless skid and showcased their offensive prowess.
The game ignited in the second period, with forward Dawson Mercer leading the charge. Mercer netted two pivotal goals, marking his first multi-goal performance of the season.
Dawson Mercer scored two goals in the Devils’ win over the Bruins on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center – Image Credit: NHL
His initial tally came just 1:24 into the period, capitalizing on a turnover and deftly maneuvering past defenders to beat Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Mercer’s second goal followed a precise cross-ice pass from linemate Justin Dowling, which he swiftly converted from the slot.
The Devils’ power play was particularly effective, converting three of seven opportunities. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton broke the 1-1 tie with a power-play goal at 4:12 of the second period, firing a snap shot from the left face-off circle. Forward Stefan Noesen extended the lead to 3-1 at 16:01, benefiting from a fortunate bounce off a defender’s skate. Captain Nico Hischier capped the scoring with a tip-in during the third period, finishing the night with a goal and two assists.
Despite the offensive surge, the victory was tempered by an injury to starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Early in the second period, Markstrom left the game after a collision with Boston’s Justin Brazeau, who was penalized for goalie interference. Markstrom did not return, and his status remains uncertain. Backup Jake Allen stepped in seamlessly, stopping all 16 shots he faced and earning his first win since November 23.
The Devils’ performance was a testament to their resilience and depth. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised the team’s response, stating, “You lose a guy mid-game, but you’re also without Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat, so you need guys to step up and do their job.”
Devils starting goaltender lJacob Markstrom left Wednesday night’s game with an apparent injury after a collision with Boston’s Justin Brazeau in the second period – Image Credit: NHL
The line of Dowling, Mercer, and Timo Meier combined for five points, with Keefe noting, “They had a lot of great shifts. I thought Meier and Mercer both had their best game in a long time.”
This victory not only snapped the Devils’ skid but also provided a blueprint for success as they look to build momentum in the coming games. The effective power play, balanced scoring, and solid defensive play are encouraging signs for a team aiming to solidify its position in the standings.
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