Martin Brodeur keeps New Jersey Devils alive against Chicago Blackhawks in shootout 2-1 -NHL Update
New Jersey played smart when it came to a shootout decider by playing a forward who was barely a part of this season, Travis Zajac, who made the game-winner for the Devils to edge Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night, March 27, 2012, at the Prudential Center
in Newark, New Jersey.
Knowing that the opposition would not have had any video on Zajac, New Jersey decided to play him on their fifth shootout attempts which was successful, giving Devils the hard earned win.
Chicago rookie, Andrew Shaw, had the chance to tie it yet again for the visiting team, but failed as Martin Brodeur blocked his shot, giving New Jersey a much needed four point lead over Ottawa Senators at number six in the Eastern Conference.
Now back playing in primetime hockey, Zajac hopes to stay healthy after recovering from his season long Achilles tendon injury, requiring surgery and had him play in only 10 games this 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season.
"I have high expectations for myself, and you have to," Zajac said. "I can't be satisfied just going out there and playing. You have to be hungry and want to help. I'm getting there; I'm still a ways away but I'm feeling better every day. It's still a little
frustrating; I don't feel 100 percent but it's going to come. I have to keep working in practice and focus in on the games and improve."
Petr Sykora scored his 18th of the season on the first Chicago penalty with the extra skater on board to give New Jersey an early lead at 15:42 in the opener.
Brent Seabrook wrapped it around in the final period of regulation to level the match and go overboard on regulation.
"I think it was huge," said Petr Sykora. "I don't think it was one of our best games but I think it's the best two points we got. It's a cushion right now and we'll take two points any way we can."
New Jersey is well into the playoffs and hopes to continue securing their position as Devils host Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.
Having lost two straight now, Chicago Blackhawks have another tough matchup against Western Conference leaders, St. Louis Blues, at home on the same day.
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