Devils grab 1-0 series lead against Panthers

Devils grab 1-0 series lead against Panthers

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NJ DEVLS 3, FLORIDA PANTHERS 2

After waiting five days, to get their playoff series started, the Devils came out with extra energy. Almost too much energy. After jumping out to a big, early lead, the Devils held on for 3-2 win over the Panthers in the first game of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal.

The Devils take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven game series which continues Tuesday night.

Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur turned away 24 shots and had an assist to pick up his 100th career playoff win. Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus and Ryan Carter scored for the Devils in the first as they jumped on the Panthers early.

The Devils out-shot the Panthers 26-9 in the first, smashing a franchise record for shots in a period in the postseason. The previous best was 20 shots against the Rangers May 11, 199.

The Devils swarming of the Panthers zone finally paid off 6:31 into the game. Patrik Elias faked out Panthers goaltender Jose Theodore twice, then snapping a wrist shot high over him when he fell.

It was Elias franchise-leading 41st career playoff goal. Goaltender Martin Brodeur picked up an assist at 14:11, sending a long pass up ice that led to Dainius Zubrus power-play goal. Ryan Carter scored on a wrist shot 45 seconds later to give the Devils the 3-0 lead.

That high-energy period also seemed to wear the Devils down.

There was an obvious dropoff in intensity after the first. The Devils had 12 shots on goal in the second and third.

And the Panthers, who had rallied from a three-goal deficit to beat the Devils Nov. 21, took advantage of the Devils lower intensity. Sean Bergenheim cut that lead to two goals, scoring on a rush at 7:44 to cut the Devils lead to 3-1. Kris Versteegs power-play goal at 15:36 brought the Panthers within a goal at 3-2.

Theodore made 35 saves.