NEW YORK, 30 March 2004 — Patrick Elias grabbed a goal and two assists to help the New Jersey Devils edge closer to first place in the Atlantic Division with a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders Sunday.
Scott Gomez had three assists for the host Devils, who moved within two points of the Philadelphia Flyers at the top of the division. Both teams have three games remaining.
The Devils are also in a tie with the Ottawa Senators for fifth place in the overall East standings, one point behind the fourth place Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Islanders still need four points to eliminate Buffalo and clinch the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.
New York leads the Sabres by five points, with the Islanders having three games left and Buffalo four.
Scott Niedermayer and Brian Gionta picked up the other goals as the Devils snapped a three-game losing streak to the Islanders.
Dave Scatchard and Mark Parrish replied for the Islanders, who have lost two straight.
Martin Brodeur had to made only 12 saves for the Devils to collect his 36th win of the season. Rick DiPietro produced 25 stops for the Islanders.
In other NHL games played Sunday:
Keith Tkachuk, Petr Cajanek and Brian Savage all netted on a 5-on-3 powerplay in the first period to give St Louis a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks and keep the Blues in seventh place in the Western Conference.
Marian Gaborik notched the game-winner as the Minnesota Wild edged the Anaheim Mighty Ducks 2-1.
Petr Nedved had a goal and two assists to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.
Wayne Primeau scored at 2:56 of overtime to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 triumph over the Dallas Stars.
