Uniondale, New York: Johan Hedberg made 22 saves for his 22nd career shutout to help the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Islanders 2-0 on Sunday.
Steve Bernier scored for New Jersey in the third period and David Clarkson added an empty-netter to help the Devils snap a four-game winless streak (0-1-3).
While neither the Islanders nor Devils were able to break through in the opening 55 minutes, both teams alternated periods in which they controlled play. New York outshot the Devils 10-7 in a high-tempo first period, while New Jersey implemented their trademark defensive system in the second.
Hedberg’s biggest save came 8:08 into the third period, when he stoned New York right wing Michael Grabner on a short-handed breakaway with the game scoreless.
Evgeni Nabokov had 24 saves. His best occurred 2:05 into the second, when he swallowed a drive by Patrik Elias following Brian Strait’s giveaway in his own zone.
New Jersey killed all seven of New York’s opportunities with the man advantage and New York killed both of New Jersey’s power plays. New York’s 96 per cent success rate on the penalty kill is the best in the NHL.
