12. march 2010 / PATRIK ELIAS SCORES AS DEVS DOWN PENS 3-1

PATRIK ELIAS scored his first goal since the Olympic break in a key victory over the Penguins Friday night in New Jersey. The Devils now trail the first place Penguins by two points with two games in hand in the battle for the Atlantic Division.

Building off of the momentum of Wednesday night’s 6-3 romp of the Rangers, the Devils jumped out to an early 1-0 lead compliments of Patrik’s 12th of the season. Patrik chased down an Andy Greene one timer that sailed just wide of net and put a fade away wrister into the open cage as Marc-Andre Fleury was caught out of position. The team went on to win 3-1 and remain perfect against the Penguins this season. They meet them again on March 17.

Patrik’s goal marks his 740th point in his illustrious career, bringing him seven points closer to becoming the second highest Czech point getter in NHL history. The position is currently held by Patrik’s former teammate, Bobby Holik.

(Dan Altano)