Langenbrunner’s hat trick helps Devils beat Wild, 5-3

Jamie Langenbrunner’s hat trick for New Jersey made Jacques Lemaire’s return to Minnesota a successful trip, and the Devils beat the Wild, 5-3, on Saturday night.

The only coach the Wild ever had until he quit after last season, Lemaire was honored with a brief video tribute before the game. He looked up for a few seconds and waved to the crowd, announced at 19,155 -- the largest this season.

It also was a memorable appearance for Langenbrunner, the 34-year-old captain who was selected to the U.S. Olympic team Friday. He grew up in the northern Minnesota town of Cloquet and had his own cheering section in attendance.

After Mikko Koivu tied it at 2-2 in the final minute of the second period with a short-handed goal, Langenbrunner took advantage of some sloppy defense by the Wild in front of the crease and punched in a loose puck for the lead.

-- associated press