Devils Take Game One Over Panthers, 3-2

April 13, 2012 9:45 PM

SUNRISE, FL – APRIL 13: Ryan Carter #20 of the New Jersey Devils attempts to steal the puck from Mike Weaver #43 of the Florida Panthers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the BankAtlantic Center on April 13, 2012 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Weaver;Ryan Carter

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NHL, Panthers, Sports

SUNRISE (AP) — Martin Brodeur stopped 24 shots for his 100th postseason win, and a three-goal first period was enough to help the New Jersey Devils spoil the Florida Panthers’ long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup playoffs in a 3-2 victory Friday night.

Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus and Ryan Carter scored in a span of just over 8 minutes in the opening period for the Devils.

Brodeur also picked up an assist for his 10th postseason point, and became the second goalie in NHL history to reach triple-figures in playoff wins. Only Patrick Roy has more, with 151.

Sean Bergenheim and Kris Versteeg scored for Florida, which was in its first postseason game since losing to Brodeur and the Devils on April 20, 2000. Jose Theodore made 35 saves for the Panthers.

Game 2 is Sunday night.