Devils 5, Panthers 2
Ilya Kovalchuk scored twice and Patrik Elias added a goal and two assists in his 1,000th career game as the New Jersey Devils defeated the visiting Florida Panthers 5-2 on Friday.
Elias had a hand in the winning goal, feeding Kovalchuk on a give-and-go that the Russian finished off with a chip shot past the glove of Florida netminder Jacob Markstrom at 11:40 of the third period.
Earlier in the game, Elias was honored for becoming only the third player to reach the 1,000-game milestone exclusively with the Devils franchise, joining goaltender Martin Brodeur and defenseman Ken Daneyko.
Kovalchuk and Zach Parise added empty netters in the final minute as New Jersey halted a two-game losing skid.
After Devils rookie Adam Henrique opened the scoring with a nifty deke at 3:53 of the opening period, Mikael Samuelsson drew the Panthers even less than four minutes later. The veteran forward finished off an odd-man rush with a wrist shot that eluded Devils netminder Johan Hedberg.
Elias gave the crowd another reason to cheer in the opening minute of the second frame, scoring his 14th of the season while inciting chants of "Pat-ty! Pat-ty!" among the Devils faithful.
The Panthers answered right back, with Krys Barch converting Michal Repik's feed just over two minutes later.