20. december 2009 / PATRIK ELIAS RIDING SEVEN-GAME POINT STREAK

The Devils are in close contention for the top spot in the NHL and Patrik Elias is one of the main reasons why. In 20 games on the ice since his offseason surgeries, Patrik has 18 points (7g, 11a), two game-winning goals, is a +9 and is currently enjoying a seven-game point streak (4g, 4a). The Devils are 15-4-1 when the Czech star has dressed.

Following a memorable night last Saturday in Philadelphia where he recorded his 300th and 301st career goals in a convincing 4-1 win over the Flyers, Patrik scored the game winner in a close contest with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday at the Prudential Center. With the game locked at 1-1 and under three minutes left to play, Brian Rolston, who has caught fire in the points department since being placed on the wing next to #26, peeled up above the hash marks and threw the puck towards the front of the net. Patrik flew past a set of Canadiens, deflected the puck on goal and quickly followed up his own rebound with a backhand shot that made its way through goaltender Carey Price. The Devils fought off the final Montreal push and won it 2-1.

On Friday night, Patrik got an assist in a 4-2 win over the visiting Senators and on Saturday he set up Dean McAmmond's game winning tally in a 5-4 victory in Atlanta. First place in the Eastern Conference is on the line Monday night as the Devils visit the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. (Dan Altano)