NHL: New Jersey 4, Montreal 1

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Jamie Langerbrunner's goal and assist Friday led the New Jersey Devils' 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

The goal, Langenbrunner's sixth this season, gave New Jersey its margin of victory at 13:11 of the third period. Earlier, Langenbrunner assisted on Zach Parise's 22nd at 18:25 of the first.

Brian Gionta scored at 14:21 of the first and John Madden scored at 11:11 of the second.

Scott Clemmensen was credited with 33 saves on 34 shots for the Devils, who had lost three of their previous five contests.

Carolina averted a shutout when Max Pacioretty scored his first career goal in his NHL debut at 16:30 of the first period.

Starting goaltender Jaroslav Halak gave up three goals on 22 shots before he was replaced. Backup Marc Denis surrendered a goal on seven shots for the Canadiens, who had won three in a row.

There were no power-play goals on seven combined man-advantage chances.