COLUMBUS (AP) — Alexander Holtz, Nico Hischier and Nathan Bastian scored 6:03 apart during New Jersey’s four-goal second period, and the Devils beat the Blue Jackets 4-1 on Friday night to snap a two-game skid.
John Marino also scored and Vitek Vanecek stopped 28 shots to help the Devils win for the third time in four meetings this season and move two points behind Tampa Bay and Detroit for the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. Cole Sillinger scored for Columbus, and Elvis Merzlikins finished with 29 saves.
The Blue Jackets have lost four of their last five games and have not managed to win two in a row at home this season.