NEW YORK—The New Jersey Devils continued their impressive run of form with a 5-1 win over the struggling Ottawa Senators on Friday.
Patrik Elias recorded two goals and two assists to spark his team to their 11th victory in the last 14 contests.
The Devils (18-9-3) left wing extended his point streak to nine games with his latest performance, and New Jersey scored two first-period goals to take early control.
"It's always big when you score first, and you score early like that," Devils coach Brent Sutter told reporters.
"Sometimes there's odd nights where it backfires on you but we've scored early in games and we have done a good job of keeping that going."
Goaltender Scott Clemmensen had 24 saves and improved to 10-1-1 in his last 12 games. He has continued to solidify New Jersey's defense in the absence of Martin Brodeur, out with a torn bicep.
New Jersey was without defenseman Bryce Salvador (upper-body injury) and center John Madden (ill), yet still managed to dominate the Senators.
"I think we've kind of gotten used to playing with different lineups," Clemmensen said.
"Basically, it's everyone has a good understanding of our system. We can have some guys missing here and there."
Brian Gionta and John Oduya beat Ottawa goaltender Alex Auld in the first period and Senators wing Jarkko Ruutu made it 2-1 with a score in the second.
Travis Zajac scored with 12:09 in the third, sandwiched between two Elias power play goals as he ran his season goal total to 15.
New Jersey's Zach Parise collected four assists on the night and increased his team-leading points mark to 39.
With the win, the Devils moved within a point of the Philadelphia Flyers for second place in the Atlantic Division.
Auld had 21 saves for Ottawa, who continued their offensive struggles.
The Senators (11-14-5) have managed only five goals in the last five games and lost five of their last six contests.
