National Hockey League
BOXSCORE | RECAP
New Jersey 2, Pittsburgh 1
When: 1:00 PM ET, Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Referees: Frederic L'Ecuyer, Dan O'Rourke
Linesmen: Matt MacPherson, Steve Miller
Attendance: 16592

Devils 2, Penguins 1: Adam Henrique matched a career high by scoring in his third consecutive contest and set up Michael Ryder's goal early in the second period as New Jersey defeated Pittsburgh for the 12th time in 14 home meetings.

Ryder returned the favor by setting up Henrique's goal and Martin Brodeur made 19 saves while registering his 44th career assist as the Devils improved to 5-1-2 in their last eight games.

Defenseman Matt Niskanen scored and captain Sidney Crosby notched an assist for his NHL-leading 59th point. Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 28 shots for the Eastern Conference-leading Penguins, who suffered just their third loss in 17 contests.

Henrique opened the scoring 98 seconds into the contest, settling a loose puck in the slot before deftly stickhandling past Niskanen and fluttering a shot over the left shoulder of Fleury. Henrique's short pass into the slot set up Ryder, who snapped a shot past Fleury 2:45 into the second to double New Jersey's advantage.

The Penguins answered just over four minutes later as Crosby set up Niskanen for a one-timer from the upper edge of the right faceoff circle to halve the deficit. Brodeur held the fort from there to improve to 48-28-4 with one tie in his career versus Pittsburgh.

GAME NOTEBOOK: New Jersey LW Patrik Elias absorbed a hit from Pittsburgh LW Tanner Glass and was sent careening into the boards early in the first period. The 37-year-old stayed on the ice for several moments and did not return to the contest. ... Henrique has scored in three straight games on four occasions in his career. ... Brodeur tied former Edmonton G Grant Fuhr for second place in career points among netminders (46). Former Penguins G Tom Barrasso is the all-time leader with 48 - all assists. ... The home team won all four meetings between the Metropolitan Division rivals this season.
Top Game Performances
 
Pittsburgh   New Jersey
Matt Niskanen 1 Points Adam Henrique 2
Matt Niskanen 1 Goals Adam Henrique 1
Sidney Crosby 1 Assists Adam Henrique 1
N/A Power Play Goals N/A
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Marc-Andre Fleury .933 Save Percentage Martin Brodeur .950
Marc-Andre Fleury 28 Saves Martin Brodeur 19
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Pittsburgh 20 1 0-1 4-4 8 25
New Jersey 30 2 0-4 1-1 2 25
Upcoming Games
  • New Jersey will play their next game at home against Chicago. The Devils have a W/L % of .412 after a win and .417 after a loss.
  • Pittsburgh will play their next game at home against NY Rangers. The Penguins have a W/L % of .733 after a win and .583 after a loss.