National Hockey League
BOXSCORE | RECAP
New Jersey 2, Winnipeg 1
When: 3:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 14, 2012
Where: MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Referees: Dan O'Rourke, Tom Kowal
Linesmen: Pierre Champoux, David Brisebois
Attendance: 15004

Patrik Elias scored the game winner with 7:17 remaining as the visiting New Jersey Devils edged the reeling Winnipeg Jets 2-1 Saturday afternoon.

With the teams locked in a defensive battle, Elias put New Jersey ahead with his 700th career NHL point. Adam Larsson's point shot found Elias open in front of the crease, and he redirected the puck into a wide open net.

Elias had a chance to extend the lead on a penalty shot with 1:36 remaining, but his wrist shot from in close was stopped by Winnipeg netminder Ondrej Pavelec.

Winnipeg pressed in the final minute but couldn't draw even as it fell for the fifth time in six games. The Jets have been outscored by a 16-2 margin in the third period of their last 10 games.

Andrew Ladd opened the scoring with 1:29 remaining in the first period, taking a Johnny Oduya pass down the right wing and firing a wrist shot that fooled Devils netminder Martin Brodeur over his glove hand.

New Jersey finally hit the scoresheet 9:45 into the third period when Kurtis Foster ripped a shot up high past Pavelec, who had been sensational in stopping the first 20 shots he faced. It was Foster's first goal in a New Jersey uniform.

Jets forward Blake Wheeler left the game near the midway point of the second period after taking a shot in the throat. He did not return.
Top Game Performances
 
New Jersey   Winnipeg
Patrik Elias 1 Points Andrew Ladd 1
Patrik Elias 1 Goals Andrew Ladd 1
Adam Larsson 1 Assists Johnny Oduya 1
N/A Power Play Goals N/A
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Martin Brodeur .957 Save Percentage Ondrej Pavelec .920
Martin Brodeur 22 Saves Ondrej Pavelec 23
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
New Jersey 25 2 0-2 2-2 9 16
Winnipeg 23 1 0-2 2-2 9 38
Upcoming Games
  • Winnipeg will play their next game on the road against Ottawa. The Jets have a W/L % of .400 after a win and .500 after a loss.
  • New Jersey will play their next game at home against Winnipeg. The Devils have a W/L % of .520 after a win and .632 after a loss.