Dawson Mercer scored bookend goals in New Jersey's four-goal second period, propelling the Devils to a 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday in Newark, N.J.

The New Jersey Devils were able to snap their four-game losing streak on Wednesday night against the Boston Bruins. Following a rough 2-4-3 skid, the team was in desperate need of a strong performance.

Dawson Mercer scored twice during New Jersey’s four-goal second period, and the Devils beat the Boston Bruins 5-1.

The New Jersey Devils visit the Montreal Canadiens after Dawson Mercer scored two goals in the Devils' 5-1 win over the Boston Bruins.

The Boston Bruins are trying to build some ground to stand on in the crowded  Eastern Conference playoff field but didn’t do themselves any favors on Wednesday night after getting dismantled by the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center by the final score of 5-1.

Dawson Mercer scored twice during New Jersey’s four-goal second period, and the Devils beat the Boston Bruins 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Boston led, 1-0, after the first period, but couldn’t overcome a miserable second in which the Devils scored four times.

Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins (23-20-6), who are 3-1-1 in their past five games. Jeremy Swayman allowed four goals on 29 shots in two periods. He was replaced by Joonas Korpisalo (five saves on six shots) at the start of the third period.

Mercer scored a goal in Wednesday's 5-0 win over the Flyers. Mercer has three goals over his last four games, but he's earned a modest five points through 13 outings in January. The 23-year-old is still set for a larger role while Nico Hischier (upper body) is out -- Mercer led all Devils forwards with 19:12 of ice time Wednesday.

This is the second of a home-and-home series. Philly won its home game on Monday, 4-2, over New Jersey, which will host the Wednesday matchup.

The Timo Meier breakout is coming, and the New Jersey Devils sure could use it. All signs have been pointing this way, and history has shown, at least since joining the Devils, that Timo Meier is a second-half player.

The New Jersey Devils had one more game on the road, playing the Flyers in Philadelphia. They lost 4-2. Here are three takeaways from the Devils' performance.