Recap: Mercer Plays Hero in 4-3 OT Win Over Kings

Date: February 28, 2023

By: Will Swankie

This article was originally written on Feb. 23, 2023

Ed Mulholland/USA TODAY Sports

In a thrilling Thursday night clash at the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Devils (38-15-5) edged out the Los Angeles Kings (32-19-8) in overtime by a score of 4-3.

It was Dawson Mercer who walked it off for the Devils in the final moments off an assist from Dougie Hamilton. Mercer had both of the largest goals of the night for New Jersey, also tying the score at two moments after the third period began.

Mercer’s impact was felt across the board as he also assisted on the Devils’ first score - when Tomas Tatar struck the back of the net in the closing moments of the second period.

“He’s a great kid,” Tatar said of Mercer. “He’s working hard and eager to learn. If he continues this way, he’ll find a lot of success in the NHL.”

Action started early as both Mercer and Jack Hughes got good looks at the goal in the opening five minutes. Los Angeles goalie Phoenix Copley held strong, shutting out New Jersey in the first period.

For Los Angeles, they were able to find success offensively to open the game. Anze Kopitar was the first to score off an assist by Sean Durzi. Later in the first period, Victor Arvidsson connected on a goal to extend the Kings’ lead to 2-0.

“That start was unacceptable, but we stuck with it, and we’re happy to get out with two points,” Mercer said.

New Jersey responded well as both Tatar and Mercer brought the Devils back from their two-goal deficit. It wasn’t until the final five minutes of the last period when Los Angeles regained the edge. This time it was Durzi capitalizing on a goal of his own with his favor from earlier being repaid by the center Kopitar.

With their backs against the wall, the Devils mounted yet another come from behind effort. Nico Hischier played the hero as he found the back of the net with just 37 seconds remaining.

The @NJDevils tied it with less than a minute to go and got the OT DUB pic.twitter.com/9gcFGNFglm

— ESPN (@espn) February 24, 2023

Thursday marks the Devils the 21^st comeback victory this season, five more than the next closest team.

“You’ve just got to play until the end, and we’ve got that in this team,” Hischier said.

Will Swankie is an Assistant Sports Director at WSOU and can be reached at william.swankie@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, NHL, New Jersey Devils