In Newark, all the scoring between the Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets came in the first period on Friday afternoon. 
The result was a 2-1 lead for the Blue Jackets as they fended off the Devils for the win.
“It was a really good first period,” Columbus coach Pascal Vincent said. “I thought we came out the right way and then we were learning to play the right way in the second period, managing the lead. [Merzlikins] was solid when we needed him. It was a full team effort, blocking shots and doing the right things defensively. It was a real good one for us.”
Columbus improved to 6-11-4.
Elvis Merzlikins made 37 saves for the win,.
“I know if I do my job well and perform the way I know how, the win automatically is going to come,” Merzlikins said.
Boone Jenner a scored midway through the first stanza to stake the Blue Jackets to a 1-0 lead
“I kind of try to know where he’s at all times on the ice and normally it’s in front of the net,” Columbus’ Johnny Gaudreau said. “He dropped the puck to me and two defenders came with me and he was sitting alone, net front. I sent a little pass to the front for him and he does a great job … you’ve seen him score all year long and most are in the blue paint.”
The Devils dropped to 8-9-1 off their third straight loss.
“That was just a tough result,” New Jersey’s Jack Hughes said. “We didn’t generate anything. We didn’t score. We didn’t execute. We’re talking too much … we have to go out and play better.”
New Jersey tied the game, 1-1, at 13:15 of the first off a marker from Alexander Holtz.
“I didn’t like our start and we didn’t get to second opportunities,” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said.
Columbus took the lead on a goal with 37 seconds left in the first from New Jersey native Eric Robinson off a breakaway.
“I knew he [Danforth] had some time there and we talked about it; if you have time, there’s no reason to come over, so I stayed wide,” said Robinson. “I knew he was going to get his head up and make that play.
“I had [six family members] here so for them to be here and see that, it’s pretty special.”
New Jersey outshot the Blue Jackets, 209, in the third period.
“I was thinking, keep shooting, baby, I’m warm,” Merzlikins said. “I was reading the game well. My defensemen were cleaning the vision for me so that was perfect and the two or three times that they didn’t because they were scrambling, it hit the post, so obviously it’s hard when the shots are coming in.
“At the same time, I love it. I love when they shoot 38 times on me. I hate when they don’t shoot, that’s the worst part.”
Akira Schmid made 26 saves in the loss.
“We have to be more consistent,” Schmid said. “It’s not easy right now. We just have to work hard every day.”
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