The New Jersey Devils celebrated a hard-fought victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 17, 2025, with a final score of 2-1. The win was pivotal for the Devils as they sought to strengthen their position in the Metropolitan Division playoff race, particularly against the Columbia team chasing them.
From the outset, the game unfolded as both teams exchanged momentum but ended the first period scoreless. The Devils faced immediate pressure from the Blue Jackets, who were eager to counter their previous meetings with stronger play. Despite generating chances, New Jersey could not cash in, thanks to Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves, who was making his first NHL start since January 11, 2025.
Yet, the tide turned late in the second period when Timo Meier broke the deadlock at 6:25, sending the puck through Greaves’ pads after making a decisive drive to the net. Just 39 seconds later, Jesper Bratt doubled the lead for the Devils, scoring his 20th of the season after Greaves mishandled the puck behind the net. “At the end of the day, it's my job to stop it and keep the puck out of the net,” Greaves commented on the unfortunate bounce.
Entering the final period with the Devils up 2-0, hopes appeared grim for the Blue Jackets, who had endured 182 minutes and 55 seconds without lighting the lamp. The third period saw Columbus intensify its offensive, generating 23 shots, compared to only three for New Jersey. Their relentless pressure finally bore fruit when Mathieu Olivier put Columbus on the board at 6:36 left, slicing the deficit to 2-1.
Despite their late resurgence, the Blue Jackets could not find the equalizer as Jake Allen showcased remarkable goaltending. He made 23 saves during the final frame alone and stopped 45 of 46 shots throughout the contest, demonstrating expertise under pressure. “We won; that's all what matters,” Allen stated after the game. “It wasn't pretty, but we found a way to get it done.”
The win allowed the Devils to regain an eight-point lead over the New York Rangers and extend their gap to ten points over the Blue Jackets, effectively placing them favorably for the playoff push. Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason, recognizing his team’s effort, shared, “Did we get the result? No. Did we play the right way? Yes, 100%.”
Meanwhile, the loss marked Columbus’s fourth straight, deepening their challenge to maintain pace for the second wild-card spot. Evason’s team showed promise during segments, especially late. “We played hard, we played disciplined, we gave ourselves chances to win and sometimes you just fall short,” Olivier remarked after ending his team's lengthy goal drought.
The upcoming game for the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 20, 2025, will be pivotal as they face the defending Stanley Cup champions, Florida Panthers, and seek to capitalize on the momentum gained from the final minutes of this match.
Overall, the game at Nationwide Arena not only underscored the competitive nature of the NHL but also highlighted the essence of determination and resilience required for playoff aspirations. Both teams may find lessons from this tightly contested matchup as the season progresses, making every point more significant.
For more updates, follow the Devils and the Blue Jackets' paths as they navigate the remaining challenges of the NHL season.
