By Ralph Hayden
New Jersey Devils star Ilya Kovalchuk netted d with just 24 seconds to help Devils secure a 2-1 win over Toronto on Thursday. With this win, the Devils extended their point streak to six games. Kovalchuk looked in great touch as he carried the puck into the zone himself, then skated down the left boards and finally placed the puck past Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer.

The game was tied in the third period by Dainius Zubrus and Johan Hedberg had 31 saves for the red-hot Devils. The win improved Devils’ winning streak to 5-0-1 and they moved to 11-1-2 in their last 14 games. Toronto’s only goal was scored by Nikolai Kulemin in the second period. Reimer did well to stop 24 shots through two scoreless periods and finished with 37 saves.

In the last 11 days, the Devils have played seven games, winning six and losing in overtime to Florida. The Devils will now clash with Carolina on Wednesday at home. “It’s nice to do this,” Lemaire said, “but I’m not totally pleased with the way we’re playing.”

Hedberg proved a good replacement for the injured Martin Brodeur. “When it comes to a close-checking game like this, the power play has got to come through,” said Devils Brian Rolston. “I think everybody’s more confident,” Hedberg said. “Everybody’s building off each other’s excitement, too.” The 37-year-old Hedberg stopped 31 of 32 shots, earning long “Moose” chants from the crowd at Prudential Center. Hedberg has allowed only four goals in the last three games.