PHILADELPHIA, April 10 (UPI) -- Robert Esche made 24 saves and Alexei Zhamnov had a goal and an assist Saturday as Philadelphia edged New Jersey, 3-2,
The Flyers took a two games to none lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Esche was shaky down the stretch of the regular season, going 0-3-1 in his final four starts. But Philadelphia Coach Ken Hitchcock stood by the 26-year-old, naming him the starter for Game One of the playoffs.
Esche stopping 28 shots through two periods in the first playoff game before the Devils struck twice in a 35-second span of the third. Esche was just as solid in this one.
Brian Gionta drew New Jersey within 3-2 late in the third.
Zhamnov broke the 1-1 deadlock less than 7 1/2 minutes into the second period and defenseman Mattias Timander' tally midway through the third proved to be the winner.
