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Devils edge Sens on Zubrus goal

Feb 2, 2011 - 4:45 AM Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - Dainius Zubrus scored the game-winning goal in the latter stages of the third period to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators at Prudential Center.

Nick Palmieri also scored for the Devils, who are now 7-1-1 in their last nine games overall. Marty Brodeur finished with 15 saves in the victory.

"We've created some momentum, and now we need to keep playing well," said Brodeur.

Alex Kovalev scored the only goal for struggling Ottawa, which is winless in its last seven (0-5-2) and has only one win in its last 14 games.

"We were all over them in the third period and they got a lucky break near the end, but we should've found a way to win," said Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson.

Ottawa goaltender Robin Lehner allowed two goals on 33 shots.

With the score tied 1-1, Zubrus put the Devils ahead for good via his eighth goal of the campaign -- assisted by Patrik Elias and Brian Rolston -- with 5:43 remaining in regulation. From the bottom of the right circle, Zubrus took a wrist shot that appeared to deflect off of Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips before it settled into the back of the net as the home crowd celebrated.

The Senators pulled Lehner in the final minute in favor of the extra attacker, but Brodeur and the Devils defense corps kept the puck to the outside and staved off any hopes of an Ottawa equalizer.

Following a scoreless opening period, the Devils scored just 35 seconds into the second on Palmieri's fourth goal of the season. A shot from the high right slot by Andy Greene hit several bodies in front and Lehner could not find the puck. From a sharp angle near the left post, Palmieri's second rebound attempt on the backhand sailed into the net.

Ottawa tied it up less than five minute later during a 5-on-3 advantage. A tripping minor called on Anton Volchenkov preceded a high-sticking infraction by Zubrus and with eight seconds to go on the two-man advantage, Kovalev's one-timer snap shot at the right post lit the lamp. Kovalev's ninth goal was assisted by Alfredsson and Erik Karlsson.

Game Notes

New Jersey defenseman Colin White returned to action after he had missed the previous two games with a lower-body injury...This was New Jersey's fourth consecutive home win...The Sens are now 8-12-4 on the road in 2010-11 and have also dropped six straight on the road against the Devils...Elias has 25 assists...Ottawa was 1-for-3 on the power play, while New Jersey failed on its only chance with the extra skater...Attendance was 7,218.