COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets lost in their home opener against the New Jersey Devils Monday night, despite Kirill Marchenko’s goal streak.
What You Need To Know
The Blue Jackets lost their home opener Monday night 3-2 to the New Jersey Devils
Kirill Marchenko tallied his fourth goal in three games for Columbus
Columbus dropped its fourth home opener in as many seasons
Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer each scored in the final seconds of power plays to lift the Devils over the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2, securing their second straight road win.
Mercer added an empty-netter with 56 seconds left. Jake Allen stopped 23 shots over two periods in his season debut. He was replaced by Jacob Markstrom, who stopped eight shots, to start the third period. The team announced that Allen had cramping and would not return.
Marchenko tallied his fourth goal in three games for Columbus, which lost for the second time in three games, and Dmitri Voronkov also scored. Jet Greaves made 25 saves.
Meier opened the scoring with one second left on a first-period power play, despite Columbus outshooting the Devils 16-8 in the frame.
Marchenko knotted the score with a breakaway at 8:49 of the second period before Mercer restored the Devils’ lead at 11:09 with four seconds left in their second power-play of the game.
After Mercer’s empty-net goal gave New Jersey a two-goal cushion, Voronkov pulled Columbus within one with 20 seconds left in regulation, but the Blue Jackets could not complete the comeback.
The Blue Jackets dropped their home opener for the fourth straight season.
Its special teams continue to struggle, allowing seven power-play goals on 16 opportunities this season. The Blue Jackets failed to score on five chances with a man advantage against the Devils.
Up Next
The Blue Jackets will host the Colorado Avalanche Thursday, Oct. 16.