NHL: New Jersey 3, Carolina 2

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- New Jersey took a three-goal lead on scores by Brian Rolston and Patrick Elias early in the third period Wednesday and the Devils held on to edge Carolina 3-2.

Rolston and Elias scored 85 seconds apart during the first 2 minutes of the third, allowing the Devils to improve to 13-1-2 in their last 16 games. Johan Hedberg saved 25 shots, but let in goals by Sergei Samsonov and Tuomo Ruutu down the stretch.

Ruutu's goal came with just 5 seconds to play and was not enough to keep the Hurricanes from falling for the sixth time in eight games.

Despite their recent success, the Devils entered the night's action 14 points out of a playoff position. They did manage to climb out of last place in the Atlantic Division, jumping one point in front of the New York Islanders.

Cam Ward took the loss, stopping 19-of-22 shots. He made his 17th straight start.