Panthers claw back, grab series lead

Devils bench Brodeur in second period; Phoenix goes up 2-1 on Chicago in third straight overtime game; Preds leave Red Wings facing early exit

NEW JERSEY (Reuters) – The Florida Panthers clawed back from a 3-0 first-period deficit to beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Tuesday and seize a 2-1 lead in their bestof-seven first-round playoff series.

The Devils delighted the packed Prudential Center crowd of 17,000 with goals from Zach Parise, Stephen Gionta and Patrik Elias within the first 6:16 of the game, but Florida refused to bend and used the powerplay to take the series lead.

Two other visiting NHL teams also had cause to celebrate as the Nashville Predators beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 to take a 3-1 lead in their series, with a chance to clinch at home when the series resumes on Friday.

Also, Mikkel Boedker scored the gamewinning goal in overtime as the Phoenix Coyotes beat Chicago 3-2 to take a 2-1 series lead in a series that has featured three extra-period wins in as many games.

Florida fought their way back by scoring twice on the powerplay in the last four minutes of the opening period, drawing within 3-2 when Jason Garrison beat Devils goalie Martin Brodeur from just inside the blue line with eight seconds left.

The Panthers pounced again in the second period, with Mike Weaver scoring on a deflection past Brodeur after 2:18 to tie the game and send the NHL’S record holder for goalie wins to the bench in favor of Johan Hedberg.

The switch did not slow the Panthers down as they made it 3-for-3 on the powerplay when Brian Campbell scored past Hedberg to give Florida a 4-3 lead.

“We’ve been burned in two games by taking penalties,” Devils coach Peter Deboer lamented.

“Their powerplay has been the difference.”

The Panthers also scored two powerplay goals in their 4-2 win at home on Sunday. NASHVILLE PREDATORS forward Gabriel Bourque (bottom left) scores a third-period goal on Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard during the Preds’ 3-1 Game 4 road victory on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 series lead in the first-round matchup.

EASTERN CONFERENCE No. 1 New York Rangers vs

No. 8 Ottawa Senators Game 3: Rangers 1, Ottawa 0 Game 4: last night in Ottawa

No. 2 Boston Bruins vs No. 7 Washington Capitals Game 3: Bruins 4, Capitals 3 Game 4: tonight in Washington (ESPN 2:30 a.m.) No. 3 Florida Panthers vs No. 6 New Jersey Devils Game 3: Panthers 4, Devils 3 Game 4: tonight in New Jersey No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs

No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers Game 4: last night in Philadelphia *Game 5: tomorrow in Pittsburgh

Florida back-up goalie Scott Clemmensen, who replaced Jose Theodore after the three quick Devils’ goals, ensured his team held the lead, stopping all 19 shots he faced.

“Down by three goals or up by three goals, we keep playing. We play to the buzzer regardless of what happens,” Clemmensen said.

“The momentum swings in this series have been drastic. It teaches you a lot about unity and perseverance.”

Brodeur said he was surprised to be removed from the game.

WESTERN CONFERENCE No. 1 Vancouver Canucks vs

No. 8 Los Angeles Kings Game 4: last night in Los Angeles *Game 5: Sunday in Vancouver No. 2 St. Louis Blues vs No. 7 San Jose Sharks Game 3: Blues 4, Sharks 3 Game 4: tonight in St. Louis No. 3 Phoenix Coyotes vs No. 6 Chicago Blackhawks Game 3: Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)

Game 4: tonight in Phoenix No. 4 Nashville Predators vs

No. 5 Detroit Red Wings Game 4: Predators 3, Red Wings 1 Game 5: tomorrow in Nashville

“I think we got a little over-excited about having a three-goal lead and got a little undisciplined,” said Brodeur, who was last pulled from a game six years ago.

“You don’t expect when you’re not losing the game yet to get pulled.”

New Jersey thought they had made it 44 in the waning moments of the second period off a shot by Marek Zidlicky, but the referee ruled that Devils right winger Steve Bernier had unintentionally interfered with Clemmensen.

Game 4 will be played in New Jersey on Thursday.