EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 23 (UPI) -- Martin Brodeur came within 2:37 of his second straight shutout and rookie Brian Gionta had a shorthanded goal and an assist as the New Jersey Devils tied their NHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at two wins apiece Tuesday night with a 3-1 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes.
After dropping a pair of one-goal decisions on the road to start the series, New Jersey was dominant back home to reduce the series to a best-of-three affair. Goaltending was a major reason for the reversal.
While Brodeur nearly became the third goalie in this year's playoffs to post consecutive shutouts, Arturs Irbe was pulled for the second straight game. The diminutive Latvian surrendered two goals on eight shots and was replaced by Kevin Weekes after one period.
Bobby Holik and defenseman Brian Rafalski also scored for the Devils, who were outshot for the first time in the series.
Defenseman Aaron Ward avoided a second straight shutout for Carolina, which hosts Game Five on Wednesday.
