Devils score four 2nd period goals, defeat Lightni...

Devils score four 2nd period goals, defeat Lightni...

Paul Bereswill/Getty Image s

Marek Zidlicky (r.) gives Devils their first lead of the night with second period goal in 6-4 win Thursday night.

NJ DEVILS 6, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 4

Getting closer to returning to the playoffs, the struggling Devils finally put their offense back together Thursday night, routing the Lightning 6-4 at the Prudential Center.

The Devils answered Lightning left wing Ryan Malones hat trick with six goals, including four in the second period, the most they have scored in any period this season.

The Devils (44-28-6) inched closer to a playoff berth with the win over the Lightning (35-35-7). They needed the Capitals to lose Thursday night to guarantee their return to the playoffs.

After missing the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons last year, clinching a playoff spot is an important step in recovering from a disastrous 2010-11 season. But after scoring just 11 goals in the eight games previous games, the Devils were satisfied with rediscovering their offensive game.

I think its significant in that, that was Step One of the steps we set out to take this year as a team, Devils coach Peter DeBoer told reporters before the game. I think were worried about playing well, winning games, and getting in the playoffs in a good spot. I think thats our focus right now."

Dainius Zubrus started the furious second period, scoring the Devils NHL-leading 15th shorthanded goal 3:07 into the period. Less than two minutes later, Malone gave the Lightning back the lead scoring on shot off Devils defenseman Marek Zidlickys skate.

Just over two minutes later, Devils center Jacob Josefson beat Lightning goaltender Dwayne Roloson with a shot from the right circle to tie the game at 2-2. Malone gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead by sweeping the puck past a fallen Martin Brodeur at 10:13. Devils left wing I lya Kovalchuk put back a rebound at 13:26 to tie the game at 3-3. Zidlicky gave the Devils their first lead of the night, 4-3, with a power-play goal at 14:37. Devils left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky tipped in defenseman Bryce Salvadors slap shot 2:25 just into the third. Right wing David Clarkson backhanded in his own rebound to finally chase Roloson at 6:05.

The Lightning goaltender allowed six goals on 34 shots.

Malone had scored his first of the night with 43.6 seconds left in the first period. Center Trevor Smith scored the Lightnings final goal with 8 seconds to play.