Once again, Patrik Elias ended a shootout against the Buffalo Sabres with the game-deciding goal. The New Jersey Devils' 3-2 win on Saturday night inched them two points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who lost in a shootout of their own to the Atlanta Thrashers.

Just 58 seconds into the first period, Buffalo got on the board with a goal off the skate of Daniel Paille, which then hit Mike Mottau and rolled over the Devils' goal line. Paille would go on to score his second goal of the night at 10:38 through Brodeur's. The goal probably would not have gone in if Brodeur had not bumped into the net, knocking it slightly off of its hinge but not enough to stop play.

In the second stanza, Paul Martin got the Devils on the board with a slapshot at 13:47. Ryan Miller got a little taste of the puck, but was unable to catch it before it headed into the net. In the third period, as the clock wound down and Brodeur headed to the bench, David Clarkson tied up the game at 18:53 with a wraparound, forcing the game into overtime. Clarkson has had a lot of success with wraparounds during his hockey career. John Madden left the game and did not return due to a lacerated ankle. He was stitched up, but they are unable to tell if he will be returning for next Wednesday’s game.

In the shootout, Zach Parise and Elias scored, while Buffalo had no goals against Brodeur, giving the Devils their third shootout win in a row against Buffalo.

Saturday night’s game marked John Madden’s 600th career game. Elias is just two points away from 600 for his career.

The Islanders face the Devils in Prudential Center on Wednesday. The Islanders are currently in the last playoff berth and are tied with the New York Rangers in points. The Devils have yet to defeat the Islanders this season.