Riding a three-game point streak, the Columbus Blue Jackets came into the Prudential Center with the same momentum and grit that carried them to the playoffs in 2009. However, much like the post-season run, they fell short, losing 2-1 in a shootout to the New Jersey Devils.
In the second period, Dainius Zubrus lit the lamp when he caught a rebound in front of the net and pulled off a nifty spin-shot to give the Devils the 1-0 lead.
New Jersey finished the game with 24 shots on goal though they only challenged Columbus' goalie Curtis Sanford thrice in the third period.
Despite Sanford’s solid performance, the game’s most valuable player stood on the other end of the ice. Eighteen-year NHL veteran Martin Brodeur emerged the winning goaltender with 35 saves, making 17 of them in the final 20 minutes of play.
The Blue Jackets’ capitalized on the Devils’ defensive breakdown six minutes into the third period when Mark Methot’s shot redirected off the skate of Jared Boll for the game-tying goal. Upon further review, the officials determined Boll had not intentionally kicked the puck into the net, thus verifying the call on the ice. Good goal.
Shortly after Columbus tied the game, Jeff Carter nearly extended his point-scoring streak with another goal. Carter zoomed up the left wing boards then ripped a blistering wrist shot that beat Brodeur but painted the post.
Both teams combined for only six shots in the five-minute overtime period, sending the game to a shootout.
Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk converted on the first two attempts for the Devils, putting pressure on Mark Letestu and Rick Nash who could not solve Martin Brodeur.
Brodeur’s body save on Letestu iced the win for the home team and robbed Columbus of a much-needed point.
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