19. november 2009 / PATRIK ELIAS GETS ASSIST BUT DEVILS FALL TO NASHVILLE IN SHOOTOUT

A new line, just under 21 minutes of ice time, a +2 rating and another assist sum up Patrik Elias’s performance in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

For most of the game, Patirk skated on a line with Zach Parise and new addition Dean Mcammond who wore #11. The line combined for a total of four points and seemed to click almost instantly.

Patrik assisted on the game-tying goal at 4:39 of the third period as the Predators led 2-1. The Czech star caught a long breakout pass at the blue line and chipped it over to Mcammond who flew into the Predator’s zone down the left wing. Mcammond appeared to be headed behind Predator goaltender Pekka Rinne but instead dropped a quick pass in front where Zach Parise was there to put in his second of the contest. The assist was Patrik’s third in two games.

Although he didn’t register any shots, Patrik logged more ice time than any other game since his return and was a key member of the penalty killing unit.

The Devils (14-5-1), head to Dallas on Saturday to face the Stars. They trail the Washington Capitals by one point for first place in the Eastern Conference. (Dan Altano)