NHL: New Jersey 3, Carolina 2

NEWARK, N.J., April 11 (UPI) -- A third-period goal by Dainius Zubrus broke a 2-2 tie, allowing the New Jersey Devils to post a 3-2 win over Carolina Saturday.

David Clarkson and Zach Parise scored the other New Jersey goals and Martin Brodeur stopped 23 shots for the Atlantic Division champions -- who may see the Hurricanes again in the first round of the playoffs.

Anton Babchuk scored twice, both on the power play, and Michael Leighton -- in goal for Cam Ward, who had the day off -- finished with 32 saves for Carolina.

The Devils took a 2-1 lead into the second period, with both goals coming on fluke plays. Babchuk's second goal, assisted by Ray Whitney and Rod Brind`Amour at 4:42 of the third tied the game at 2-2.

Zubrus scored the game winner at 15:34 of the third on a feed from Brian Gionta.

The Devils (51-27-4) won their final two regular-season games to finish with 106 points and the third seeding in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes (45-30-7) finished the regular season with two losses.

With 97 points, Carolina will be the sixth seed if Pittsburgh can get a point Saturday in its game with Montreal. Otherwise, the Hurricanes will be seeded fifth and face the Flyers in the first round.