NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Sergei Brylin gave New Jersey a two-goal lead with 1:54 left in the second period Wednesday and the Devils hung on to down San Jose 3-2.
The Devils won their third straight and their fifth out of six. Zach Parise and John Madden also scored for New Jersey, and Patrik Elias had two assists. Martin Brodeur made 30 saves in winning for the 33rd time this season.
New Jersey moved past idle Pittsburgh into first place in the Atlantic Division and, with 75 points, is also tied with Ottawa and Montreal for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
San Jose played the third game of a season-long, eight-game road trip. The Sharks are 0-3 on the journey and have lost five straight overall.
Thomas Griess made only the second start of his career and gave up all three goals on 20 shots.
