BOSTON -- It looks like the Olympics will be the only
thing that can slow down the New Jersey Devils.
Brian Gionta scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner
2:10 into overtime, and Martin Brodeur made 37 saves as the
Devils posted a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
Patrik Elias also tallied for New Jersey (30-21-6), which has
lost just three times in regulation since January 1. The Devils
host the New York Islanders on Saturday before the two-week
Olympic break.
Gionta, who will be representing the United States in Torino,
lifted the Devils to their fourth win in five games with his
second goal of the game and 33rd of the season.
Sergei Brylin skated behind the net and into the left corner,
where he centered a pass to Gionta for a one-timer from the slot
that beat goaltender Tim Thomas.
Gionta gave New Jersey a 2-1 lead with a shorthanded goal with
12:04 left in the third period.
After Boston's P.J. Axelsson missed a wide-open net from the
doorstep, defenseman Brian Rafalski fed Gionta, who streaked up
the left side and centered a pass for Brylin. But Bruins
blue-liner Brad Stuart got his stick on the pass, inadvertently
deflecting it between Thomas' pads.
Wayne Primeau drew Boston even with 7:47 left in the third on a
delayed penalty, wristing a shot from inside the right faceoff
circle past Brodeur.
The reigning two-time Vezina Trophy winner made 13 saves in the
final period and two more in overtime, including a big stop on
defenseman David Tanabe nearly a minute before Gionta's
game-winner.
Glen Murray opened the scoring and Thomas made 31 saves for
Boston, which has lost three of its last four home games.