Devils 4, Flyers 2
Patrik Elias had his first hat trick in nearly five years Friday as the New Jersey Devils dealt rival Philadelphia a major blow with a 4-2 win over the visiting Flyers.
Elias scored twice in a two-minute span of the second period and added some insurance with less than three minutes remaining in the game to complete his first three-goal performance since April 5, 2006. Elias has 32 goals in 70 career games against the Flyers, the most against any opponent.
Nick Palmieri had the game winner midway through the third period while Brian Rolston added three assists for the Devils, who remained mathematically alive in the East playoff race. New Jersey is 10 points out of eighth place with five games left.
James van Riemsdyk and Jeff Carter countered for the Flyers (46-22-10), who missed a golden opportunity to extend their slim advantage atop the Eastern Conference standings. Philadelphia leads runner-up Washington by one point. Both teams have four games remaining.
Johan Hedberg stopped 34 shots to earn the win while Brian Boucher made 20 saves in defeat.