Devils Suffer Setback Against Bruins

Published: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

by Kyle Ferreira

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils (41-30-7) were unable to clinch a playoff berth with their 7-2 loss to the Boston Bruins (32-38-9) on Tuesday evening.

The game plan for New Jersey was simple: earn a point, and they’re in the postseason. Arriving on a three-game winning streak, the Devils aimed to defeat the Bruins for the second time this season.

Since their last meeting on Jan. 22, when the Devils won 5-1, the Bruins have struggled in an irregular season. The Bruins, long known as a playoff contender, were recently eliminated from postseason contention. 

Since their last matchup against the Devils, Bruins icon Brad Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers as Boston begins to lean toward a potential rebuild.

For Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom, Boston was the opponent when he suffered his MCL sprain in January. The netminder had been solid in recent outings, and a key first-period save against the Bruins' Nikita Zadorov was crucial.

However, Bruins superstar David Pastrnak showcased his skills on WWE Night, scoring his 41st goal of the season to put Boston up 1-0 early. Boston then added to its lead with a Michael Callahan goal with 35 seconds remaining in the first period.

Things escalated quickly for the Devils when Jesper Bratt was called for hooking less than 30 seconds into the second period. While the Devils killed the penalty, the Bruins struck shortly after, with Jakub Lauko scoring at 16:15. Nearly three minutes later, Dawson Mercer was called for hooking, but the Devils again managed to kill off the penalty.

The second period wasn’t all doom and gloom for the home side, though. In a span of 19 seconds, Stefan Noesen tipped in a puck to make it 3-1. Then, with 5:50 remaining, Timo Meier scored his 25th goal of the season, cutting Boston’s lead to 3-2.

Boston’s Casey Mittelstadt responded, wristing in his 15th goal of the season with 52.9 seconds left in the period.

The Devils needed a strong third period to either level the game or take control, but New Jersey was unable to do so as Boston’s goals kept coming.

Boston’s Morgan Geekie scored his 30th goal of the season, making it 5-2 with 15:02 remaining. Pastrnak recorded the assist, reaching the 100-point mark with 41 goals and 59 assists.

The Devils’ defense faltered again, allowing a goal nearly two minutes later from Boston’s Fraser Minten. The Bruins capped off the scoring surge with Cole Koepke adding another goal.

In the end, the Devils suffered a tough 7-2 loss, delaying their playoff berth. New Jersey is aiming to make the postseason for the first time since their impressive 2022-23 campaign.

The Devils will host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at The Rock on Friday evening as they continue their push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

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