Fri Oct 10 22:06:40 2008

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Brodeur sharp as Devils edge Isles in opener

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Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - Patrik Elias scored the eventual game-winner and Martin Brodeur was his usual stingy self as the New Jersey Devils came away with a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders in the season opener for both clubs.

Brodeur saved all but one of the 26 shots he faced and set the NHL record for most consecutive season-opening starts with one team (14). Zach Parise tallied the other goal for New Jersey, which moved to 12-0-5 in season openers played at home.

Joey MacDonald got the starting nod over regular netminder Rick DiPietro for New York, stopping 27-of-29 shots. The Islanders failed to get head coach Scott Gordon a victory in his NHL debut behind the bench.

Doug Weight recorded the only goal for the Islanders, who were just 1-for-6 on the power play.

The Devils broke a 1-1 tie just 29 seconds into the second frame. An Islanders turnover set up a rush for New Jersey, and Brian Gionta fed Elias in front of the net for a backhanded goal.

The Islanders outshot the Devils, 12-7, in the second period but couldn't sneak the puck past Brodeur, who is seeking his 11th straight season with at least 70 games played.

The Devils' lead remained in the third despite two power plays for the Isles. Brodeur denied New York's best scoring chance in the waning seconds, using his stick -- while falling to his back -- to bat away the puck with just under 20 seconds remaining.

Both teams got on the board with a power-play goal in the opening 20 minutes. Weight passed the disc into the middle, and Devils defenseman Paul Martin's right skate inadvertently deflected the puck between the pads of Brodeur for a 1-0 Isles lead nearly 10 minutes into the game.

New Jersey responded three minutes later when Parise backhanded a loose puck into the back of the net to tie the game at a goal apiece.

The visitors had an opportunity to take another early lead, but Brodeur used his glove to deny Kyle Okposo's wrister on a penalty shot with four minutes left in the first.

Game Notes

New Jersey takes on the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Saturday, while New York plays its home opener Saturday against the St. Louis Blues...Chicago's Tony Esposito shared the record with Brodeur for most consecutive season-opening starts with one team... The Devils went 25-14-2 on home ice in 2007-08, while the Islanders were just 17-20-4 as the visiting team a year ago...New York won six of the eight meetings between the clubs last season...New Jersey is 4-0-1 in its last five season openers. The Isles have now dropped five of their last six season openers.