Devils start second half with victory over Tampa Bay

By Bud L. Ellis

The first half was forgettable for many reasons for the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur did his best to start the second half on the right foot.

The future Hall of Fame goaltender made 33 saves, and David Clarkson scored twice as the struggling Devils won for the first time in 2011 on Sunday, downing Tampa Bay 6-3.

The Devils, who came into the game 25 points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, got a goal and two assists from Patrik Elias to down the Southeast Division leading Lightning.

Clarkson scored to tie the game at 1-1 at the 5:55 mark of the first period. He added a second goal to tie it at 2-2 at the 4:14 mark of the third period.

Jason Arnott gave New Jersey the lead for keeps at the 7:52 mark of the third, and New Jersey added three more goals in the final 5:54.

New Jersey travels to Tampa Bay Friday, opening a three-game road trip.

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Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 9:14 pm by bud

Tags: David Clarkson, Jason Arnott, Martin Brodeur, National Hockey League, New Jersey Devils news, New Jersey Devils schedule, New Jersey Devils tickets, Tampa Bay Lightning