NHL: New Jersey 4, Carolina 1

NEWARK, N.J., April 15 (UPI) -- Martin Brodeur started the playoffs with an 18-save performance Wednesday that helped carry New Jersey to a 4-1 victory over Carolina.

Brodeur, who became the all-time NHL wins leader this season but who missed almost 4 months of the campaign with a torn elbow muscle, gave up only a third-period goal.

Scott Parise, who at age 24 had career highs this season in goals (45), assists (40) and game-winning goals (8), scored 59 seconds into the second period to give the Devils a 2-0 lead.

New Jersey took a 3-0 advantage into the third period before Ray Whitney gave the Hurricanes brief hope by putting a wrist shot past Brodeur with 10:38 to play. Jamie Langenbrunner, however, scored just 29 seconds later to boost the Devils' advantage back to three.

New Jersey has not made it past the second round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2003.

Carolina goaltender Cam Ward had the best regular season of his young career with 39 wins and six shutouts, but he allowed all four goals on 39 shots in the playoff opener.

The second game of the series will be played in New Jersey Friday.