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Nilsson, Isles blank Devils

Mar 5, 2012 - 1:17 AM Uniondale, NY (Sports Network) - Anders Nilsson posted the first shutout of his career to help the New York Islanders take a 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Playing in just the third game of his career, Nilsson turned away all 24 shots he faced and Kyle Okposo's second-period goal helped the Islanders win a second straight game.

"We played pretty well defensively, didn't give up too many second-chance shots and cleared the rebounds out pretty well," said Okposo. "The ones we didn't get to, he (Nilsson) made good stops on."

Martin Brodeur turned away 24-of-25 shots but it wasn't enough to keep the Devils from losing for a fifth time in the past six games.

"You go through stretches where the offense isn't playing well and the defense is there and other stretches where the offense is putting up goals and the defense doesn't play well," said Brodeur. "You just try to work hard and play well every night and things will work themselves out."

After a scoreless first period that saw Brodeur stop 10 shots and Nilsson turn aside six, the Islanders went on top 2:39 into the second.

With the puck pinned along the right boards in the Devils' end, Okposo was able to work it free. From there, he fought off defenders and from the slot was able to shoot it home for his 15th of the season.

Nilsson matched his save total from the first period in the second period then stopped all 12 he faced in the third to keep the Islanders hopes in the playoff hunt alive.

Game Notes

The Isles' next game is on Thursday in New Jersey...The Devils host the Rangers on Tuesday before again playing the Islanders...The Islanders have taken two of three from the Devils this season...The Islanders were 0-for-5 on the power play while the Devils went 0-for-1.