Devils 3, Blue Jackets 1: Blackwood, Hughes shine in rebound win

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Five observations from New Jersey’s win over Columbus:

1. Mackenzie Blackwood responded

I’ve been very hard on Blackwood this season so it’s only fair I give him credit when it’s due. And it most definitely is due. He was nothing short of spectacular against the Blue Jackets.

Save for letting out a clunky rebound on Columbus’ first (and only) goal, Blackwood was spectacular.

The Blue Jackets tested him a lot, especially in the opening frame. They were able to generate plenty of dangerous looks in tight. Often times, they pounced on rebounds and generated second and third chance opportunities. Luckily, Blackwood tracked the puck very well and used his remarkable athleticism to make several recovery saves.

New Jersey should’ve trailed by a goal or two after 20 minutes. That may not sound like much but, well, it’s a big deal considering the Devils’ struggles coming from behind over the last year and change.

Instead, the Devils had a blank slate to work with because Blackwood kept them on level terms in a game that was far from even.

I thought the Devils did a much better job over the final 40 minutes. If not for Blackwood’s 1st period success, though, it wouldn’t have mattered.

Blackwood has made a habit of conceding more goals than expected. He bucked that trend in a big way last night, allowing just one goal on 3.58 expected. He trimmed more than 2.5 pucks of Columbus’ scoreline, which is quite the feat.

He’s not going to play this well every night but it’d be nice to see him build on his effort and and put forth quality showings with more regularity.