Sabres seize on Brodeur absence to down Devils

NEW YORK: The Buffalo Sabres took advantage of the rare absence of New Jersey netminder Martin Brodeur to beat the Devils 2-0 in Newark on Monday.

Ryan Miller made 24 saves for his second successive shutout while Jason Pominville and Patrick Kaleta scored the goals to lead the Sabres (8-2-2) past the injury-riddled Devils.

Kevin Weekes replaced the injured Brodeur, who did not start for the first time in 57 games dating back to last season.

Brodeur, a 15-year veteran and four-time Vezina Trophy winner, joined four other Devils (6-3-2) regulars currently sidelined by injuries after suffering a bruised elbow on Saturday in a win over Atlanta.

"Kevin (Weekes) played a great game and kept them in it early," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff told reporters. "Ryan really made some big saves later on and we were fortunate to come out of here with a win."

Weekes faced a 20-shot barrage in the opening period but allowed just Pominville's powerplay goal at 19:26.

"I thought we did a great job in that period to only be down one," Weekes said. "We played a lot better over the final two periods but their goalie was pretty sharp too."

The Devils took control in the final two periods, out-shooting the Sabres 21-10, but Miller made several big saves, especially during New Jersey's three powerplay chances in the second period.

Kaleta, who re-directed a shot from the point past Weekes eight minutes into the third period to complete the scoring, gave Miller all the credit for the victory.

"He (Miller) comes to play every night and gives us a chance to win," Kaleta said.

Buffalo moved into first place in the Northeast Division by one point over the idle Montreal Canadiens.

The Devils gave no prognosis on Brodeur's injury. Brodeur, who has not dressed for a game just 21 times in his lengthy career, has 544 career victories, seven away from tying Patrick Roy's career record. He also has 98 shutouts, five away from the record held by Terry Sawchuk.

New Jersey lost for the fourth time in five games.

Agencies

(China Daily 11/05/2008 page24)