12. february 2010 / PATRIK ELIAS GETS GOAL AND ASSIST IN 5-2 WIN OVER PREDS

The Devils snapped a three-game losing streak with a commanding 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators Friday night in New Jersey thanks to a two-point performance from Patrik Elias. #26 netted his first goal in eight games and assisted on the game winner. Patrik now has four points (1g, 3a) in four games since returning from a concussion.

It appeared that Patrik was going to break his scoring drought in the last minute of the first period with the game tied 1-1. Mike Mattau threw a long pass up ice and caught Patrik in stride, sending him in all alone on goaltender Pekka Rinne. Patrik tried to shoot it low blocker side but Rinne came up big to make the save. Patrik got his revenge early in the second with the Devils down 2-1 when a blast from the high slot beat Rinne above his glove. At 8:24 of the third, Patrik got the primary assist on Ilya Kovalchuk's first goal as a Devil to give his team the 3-2 lead. The Devils (37-20-2) would add two more to close off the Predators. The team heads to Carolina Saturday for their last game before the Olympic break. (Dan Altano)