NEWARK, N.J., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ilya Kovalchuk and David Clarkson scored first-period goals Saturday and the New Jersey Devils went on to a 3-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
Kovalchuk notched two assists while Patrik Elias also added a pair of helpers for the Devils, who won for the ninth time in 12 games.
Devils goalie Martin Brodeur turned aside 29 shots to collect his ninth victory in 11 starts against the Penguins.
Zach Parise added an empty-netter for New Jersey, which pulled to within 3 points of Pittsburgh for third place in the Atlantic Division.
The Pens, meanwhile, dropped a second straight contest following a four-game winning streak.
Chris Kunitz scored and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 18 shots for the Penguins.
