Wolanin’s First Goal Gives Devils Win

Rookie defenseman Craig Wolanin scored his first National Hockey League goal to snap a 4-4 tie in the third period and spark the New Jersey Devils to a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota North Stars in the only NHL game played Monday night.

Mel Bridgman scored twice--the second time on a second assist from Wolanin with 27 seconds left--to give the Devils the margin of victory.

Kirk Muller set up the winning goal for the Devils when he whipped a backhand pass from the left circle to Wolanin, who was standing in the slot. Wolanin then fired a 20-foot shot at 8:53 in the period to beat North Star goalie Jon Casey.

Minnesota struck early in the third period for a pair of goals by Neal Broten and Dirk Graham to tie the score, 4-4. Broten tallied at 1:34 for his 15th goal of the season.

A New Jersey defenseman attempted to send a pass along the boards from behind the net, but it deflected out front after hitting the skates of Dino Ciccarelli. Broten was standing all alone in front to easily beat Devil goalie Glenn Resch.