NHL: New Jersey 3, Montreal 1

MONTREAL, March 14 (UPI) -- Martin Brodeur equaled Patrick Roy for the most wins in NHL history Saturday night when the New Jersey Devils skated to a 3-1 win against Montreal.

The win, recorded in his hometown, gave the 36-year-old Brodeur 551 in his 15-year NHL career, and followed a 50-game absence because of a torn biceps in his left elbow in early November.

Roy, a hall-of-famer, attended the contest at a sold-out Bell Centre.

Patrik Elias (power play), Brian Rolston (power play) and Jamie Langenbrunner scored one goal apiece, while Travis Zajac had two assists for the Devils, who have won seven of eight since Brodeur returned Feb. 26 from shoulder surgery.

Montreal's lone goal was Tomas Plekanec's 20th of the season at 12:29 of the first period.

Jaroslav Halak was beaten three times on 48 shots for the Canadiens, who have lost four of six.