They may not have kept the name in Manitoba but in New Jersey they love “The Moose.” Johan Hedberg, who helped the Devils second half surge last season, was called upon once again to relieve an injured Martin Brodeur. In doing so, Hedberg helped guide New Jersey to its second consecutive victory on the young season.
Yet it was the Los Angeles Kings and former Devils nemesis from his Philadelphia Flyers days, Simon Gagne, who struck first early in the first period. Gagne was able to take a pass from Justin Williams and off the backhand, stuff it by Brodeur for the 1-0 edge.
Midway through the first, New Jersey would break through. Patrik Elias was able to lift home a loose rebound out front, past Jonathan Quick to square the game at one. Petr Sykora and Zach Parise were credited with the assists.
However, as mentioned late in the first, Brodeur diving to protect an open net, apparently injured his right shoulder. While he would tough out the first frame, stopping 10-of-11 shots faced, Brodeur wouldn’t return.
In the second and third frames, Hedberg and Quick continued their yeoman’s work between the pipes. Quick made 36 saves, while Hedberg turned away all 16 sent his way.
As the game progressed to a shootout, a couple of nifty tallies by Ilya Kovalchuk and Parise were the difference makers, as Hedberg held his ground for the 2-1 Devils victory over the Kings.
by Michael Gwizdala
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