Devils Take Game One Over Panthers, 3-2
SUNRISE (AP) — Martin Brodeur stopped 24 shots for his 100th postseason win, and a three-goal first period was enough to help the New Jersey Devils spoil the Florida Panthers' long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup playoffs in a 3-2 victory Friday night.
Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus and Ryan Carter scored in a span of just over 8 minutes in the opening period for the Devils.
Brodeur also picked up an assist for his 10th postseason point, and became the second goalie in NHL history to reach triple-figures in playoff wins. Only Patrick Roy has more, with 151.
Sean Bergenheim and Kris Versteeg scored for Florida, which was in its first postseason game since losing to Brodeur and the Devils on April 20, 2000. Jose Theodore made 35 saves for the Panthers.
Game 2 is Sunday night.
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