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Elias, Brodeur help Devils continue mastery of Capitals

Dec 23, 2006 - 6:01 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- When Patrik Elias and the New Jersey Devils see the Washington Capitals on the schedule, their eyes begin to light up.

Elias scored the decisive goal and added an assist as the Devils posted a 4-1 victory over the Capitals.

Zach Parise had a goal and an assist and goaltender Martin Brodeur was strong in net for New Jersey, which has won five straight and 10 of its last 12 against Washington.

After Capitals captain Chris Clark tied the contest at 1-1 midway through the second period, Elias gave the Devils the lead with 66 seconds left in the session. Defenseman Brad Lukowich took a shot from the point and Elias, with his back to the goal, deflected it past the blocker of goaltender Brent Johnson to give New Jersey a 2-1 lead.

"This was one of those road games where you have to be patient," Devils coach Claude Julien said. "After a scoreless first period and a 2-1 second-period lead, we had to play our game, have no breakdowns and eventually good things will come."

Brian Gionta tallied 4:51 into the third period to give the Devils a two-goal advantage and Parise capped the scoring with a power-play tally midway through the period.

"We were able to play our game, get a couple of goals and never sat back on the lead," Parise said. "That was the important thing, we never sat back."

The Devils had lost four of their last five games.

The goals were more than enough for Brodeur, who stopped 35 shots, including 13 in the final period, for his fifth straight win and 29th in 43 appearances against Washington.

"I felt good tonight," Brodeur said. "It was a big game for us, especially with back-to-back road games. The first one is always important. I wanted to come out, play a solid game and win. It's nice to have four goals supporting you."

"I thought Brodeur played well," Clark said. "He played very well and made some great saves. We had plenty of chances to win the game but we just didn't score. They played New Jersey hockey, they frustrate you. They limit your chances."

Johnson made 20 saves for the Capitals, who have lost two straight.

"We had some early chances and our guys worked hard against a tough opponent," Capitals coach Glen Hanlon said. "As a unit we played well. We did everything but score."