Malkin Scores in Debut, but Brodeur Wins 450th

First, Sidney Crosby. Now, Evgeni Malkin. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ young stars keep making impressive debuts but losing to Martin Brodeur.

Brodeur withstood Malkin’s first career goal in his first game to become only the third goaltender in NHL history to reach the 450-win mark, with Jamie Langenbrunner’s goal in the third period making the difference in the New Jersey Devils’ 2-1 victory Wednesday night at Pittsburgh.

Malkin, one of the most awaited young players in recent seasons, used his long reach to grab pucks and set up scoring chances despite missing nearly a month because of a dislocated left shoulder.

“I was worried, it’s the first game I’m playing,” Malkin said, speaking through an interpreter. “In the future, I think it is going to be easier. I had no problems with the shoulder and, hopefully, that’s how I’m going to feel.”

Coach Michel Therrien unexpectedly played Malkin and Crosby on the same line at times.

Brodeur joined Patrick Roy (551) and Ed Belfour (457) as the only goalies with 450 or more victories in regular-season games.

Nashville 3, New York Rangers 0 -- Tomas Vokoun made 38 saves at New York for his 17th NHL shutout, and Scott Nichol had a goal and an assist for his first points of the season in the Predators’ third straight victory.

Washington 5, Florida 2 -- Alexander Semin had a goal and an assist during the Capitals’ five-goal first period at Washington. Florida goalie Alex Auld was removed at 12:36 after yielding four goals in 12 shots.

Colorado 4, Toronto 1 -- John-Michael Liles scored twice at Toronto to help the Avalanche avoid a three-game losing streak. Colorado’s backup goalie Peter Budaj finished with 27 saves.

Chicago 2, Montreal 1 -- Bryan Smolinski’s goal two minutes into in the third period lifted the Blackhawks at Chicago.

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Veteran Petr Nedved, Niko Dimitrakos and Nolan Baumgartner were waived after the Philadelphia Flyers’ 9-1 loss Tuesday to the Buffalo Sabres. The Flyers recalled right wing Stefan Ruzicka, defenseman Alexandre Picard and left wing Ben Eager from their AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. If Nedved, a center, and left wing Dimitrakos clear waivers by today, they will be assigned to the Phantoms. Free-agent defenseman Baumgartner will remain with the Flyers.