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Devils shut out Coyotes to snap slide

Dec 16, 2010 - 5:19 AM Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - Ilya Kovalchuk scored two goals, Martin Brodeur made 29 saves for his third shutout of the season and the New Jersey Devils snapped their five-game losing streak with a 3-0 win over Phoenix.

Mark Fayne scored his first NHL goal for the Devils, while Travis Zajac and Patrik Elias tallied two assists apiece.

Brodeur had 10 saves in the first period, 11 in the second and eight in the third to record his 114th career shutout, backstopping New Jersey to its first win in the month of December.

The Devils improved to just 9-19-2 on the season.

"We know we have a lot of work to do, but when you win it makes it nice for the time being," said Brodeur. "We all know that the position we are in isn't fun, but tonight was fun."

Ilya Bryzgalov allowed three goals on 29 shots and the Coyotes began a season-long six-game road trip with their fifth loss in eight contests.

The Devils took a 2-0 lead in the first period, opening the scoring at 5:30 when Dainius Zubrus picked up a turnover in the neutral zone and centered a pass to Kovalchuk for a one-timer.

Jamie Langenbrunner appeared to score New Jersey's second goal on a deflection.

Instead, officials ruled Fayne's slap shot from above the right circle made it through untouched to give the Devils a 2-0 lead at the 13:18 mark.

"We came out in the beginning and weren't ready," said Coyotes forward Shane Doan. "I think them getting an early goal gave them life (because) they've been struggling."

Brodeur and Bryzgalov combined to stop 19 shots in a scoreless second period and Kovalchuk gave New Jersey its 3-0 lead on a power play at 4:49 of the third, one-timing a slap shot past the Phoenix goalie from the left circle.

Game Notes

The Devils won for the third time in their last eight meetings with Phoenix...New Jersey's previous win came on November 27...Phoenix was scoreless on three power plays, while the Devils went 1-for-5...New Jersey forward Brian Rolston cleared waivers and was back on the ice, playing more than 17 minutes in the game.