 March 15, 2010 -- The New Jersey Devils raced out to a three-goal lead on first period goals from Rob Niedermayer, David Clarkson and Zach Parise and managed to hold off the visiting Boston Bruins for a 3-2 victory at Prudential Center.
Heading into Monday night's contest versus the New Jersey Devils, Tim Thomas had played well enough to keep him sporadically starting following a month-and-a-half layoff due to B's youngster Tuuka Rask winning the starting job and the NHL's Olympic break. But the Devils took it to the reigning Vezina Trophy winner as Thomas stopped just nine of the 12 shots he faced.
Julien pulled Thomas -- for the fifth time this season -- to open the second and replaced him with Rask. The Bruins responded well, too, as Blake Wheeler connected for his 17th of the season and fourth in five games just 43 seconds into the period. Rask stopped all 16 shots he faced over the remaining two periods of the game.
Patrice Bergeron made it 3-2 with 1:03 left after goalie Tuukka Rask was pulled for an extra skater.
The eighth-place Bruins failed to stretch their lead at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Boston is one point ahead of the New York Rangers and has played one fewer game.
Future Hall-of-Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur collected 34 saves and an assist for the Devils. He is now 3-0 against Boston this season.
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