NHL Roundup
Published 12:00 am Friday, January 12, 2007
Associated Press
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Scott Gomez and Sergei Brylin scored power-play goals 28 seconds apart in the third period to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 2-1 win over the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday night.
Martin Brodeur made 25 saves, and New Jersey won for the fourth time in five games. The Devils also ended a six-game losing streak against the Thrashers.
The victory gave the Atlantic Division-leading Devils 56 points, pulling them even with the Thrashers — the top team in the Southeast Division — for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Scott Mellanby scored for the Thrashers, who tied a season high with their fifth straight loss. Atlanta held the lead entering the third period in each of the last four defeats.
The Devils made the most of a 5-on-3 advantage, scoring the tying and winning goals against Kari Lehtonen during the power play.
Gomez tied it with 8:53 left on a play that began with Brian Rafalski taking a point shot. Lehtonen made the initial save, and Brian Gionta swiped at the rebound before Gomez knocked it in.
Brylin scored the go-ahead goal from the slot, converting a setup pass from Travis Zajac.
Predators 2, Blue Jackets 0
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Shea Weber had a goal and an assist, Tomas Vokoun stopped 22 shots, and Nashville beat Columbus for its fourth straight victory.
Jason Arnott also scored in the game in which each team had a goal waved off in the opening minutes because of goalie interference. The Predators, who have the second most points in the Western Conference, are 12-3 in their past 15 games.