Devils 2, Islanders 1


 
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) - Marek Zidlicky and David Clarkson scored 14 seconds apart in the final two minutes of the third period to rally the New Jersey Devils past the New York Islanders 2-1 on Saturday night.

John Tavares broke the scoreless tie 6:46 into the third period, and Anders Nilsson seemed poised to shut out the Devils for the second time in a week.

But Clarkson tied it with 1:39 remaining, squeezing the puck past Nilsson for his 28th goal, and Zidlicky quickly gave the Devils the lead while New York's P.A. Parenteau was in the penalty box for boarding.

New Jersey (39-24-5), which won two of three from the Islanders this week, has three consecutive victories and wins in four of five. The Devils are 4-1-1 in their last six games and have allowed one goal or fewer in five straight games. They outscored the Islanders 7-2 in their two wins this week.

Tavares had given the Islanders the lead at 6:46 of the third with his 27th goal, scoring off a setup by linemates Matt Moulson and Parenteau. Tavares snapped a wrist shot past goalie Johan Hedberg, who made the start after Martin Brodeur recorded successive home victories over the Islanders and Rangers this week.

The 21-year-old Nilsson was called up from Bridgeport on Feb. 29. He was the AHL goalie of the month for February by going 6-0-1. Nilsson, who started for only the third time in the NHL, beat the Devils 1-0 last Sunday for his first win.

Nilsson made a key glove save at 18:44 of the second period on a snap shot by Dainius Zubrus from the left circle. Hedberg stopped Michael Haley on a breakaway at 16:47 of the second.

The Devils are 13-6-1 since All-Star break and have exceeded their win and point total from last season when they missed the playoffs.

NOTES: The Devils' record for fastest two goals is 8 seconds, by John Madden and Patrik Elias on April 6, 2001, against Boston.