Devils 3, Islanders 1
DEVILS 3, ISLANDERS 1: Patrik Elias had a goal and an assist as host New Jersey earned its fourth straight win.
Johan Hedberg, who improved to 5-0-1 in his last six starts, was stellar when called upon, but received a lot of help in front of him as the Devils allowed only 19 shots – including three in the third period.
Ilya Kovalchuk secured the win with his 35th goal of the season into an empty net as the Devils clinched the No. 6 seed and moved within three points of Philadelphia with two games to play.
New Jersey’s Travis Zajac broke a 1-1 tie just 22 seconds into the middle frame with his second goal of the season.
On the power play, captain Zach Parise and Elias worked a give-and-go down low before Parise found Zajac alone in front for what proved to be the game-winner.
Elias tallied his 26th of the season at 1:18 of the first period after being set up perfectly in front by Petr Sykora, who backhanded a pass after getting to a rebound off a Mark Fayne point shot.
Matt Moulson scored his 35th of the campaign for the Islanders.
GAME NOTEBOOK: John Tavares recorded his 200th NHL point with an assist on Moulson’s goal. … New Jersey has scored at least one power-play goal in four straight games. … Parise had two assists in his 500th NHL game. … Devils forward Jacob Josefson was lost to a fractured left wrist early in the game. He is out four to six weeks.