Devils Glad to Have Elias Back in Fold

Patrik Elias had two goals and two assists in his second game back since recovering from hepatitis to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 5-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night at East Rutherford, N.J.

The Devils struggled to score this season without Elias, who contracted the illness while playing in Europe during the NHL lockout last year.

Elias combined with linemates Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta for three goals and eight points.

Detroit 3, St. Louis 0 -- Manny Legace made 15 saves for his third shutout of the season to lead the Red Wings at Detroit.

Vancouver 3, Chicago 2 -- Jarkko Ruutu converted a penalty shot in the third at Chicago for the Canucks. The Blackhawks have lost nine in a row.

Philadelphia 4, New York Rangers 3 -- Simon Gagne scored seven seconds into overtime, and the Flyers edged the Rangers at New York.

Colorado 4, Minnesota 2 -- Marek Svatos broke the Avalanche record for goals by a rookie with his 21st in a victory at St. Paul, Minn.

Boston 4, Ottawa 2 -- Brad Boyes scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to lift the Bruins over the Senators at Boston.

Buffalo 3, Tampa Bay 1 -- Jochen Hecht had a goal and an assist, and Ryan Miller made 21 saves to lead the Sabres at Buffalo, N.Y.

San Jose 6, Columbus 3 -- Jonathan Cheechoo scored three goals for the second time in three weeks to lead the Sharks at San Jose.