Devils’ fast start leads to 3-2 victory over Bruins

NEWARK, N.J. — David Clarkson had a goal and an assist as the New Jersey Devils scored three times in the first period against Tim Thomas and held on for a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Monday night.

Clarkson took the shot that Rob Niedermayer deflected in and then scored on a breakaway to make it 2-0. Zach Parise finished the barrage that assured the Devils (41-24-3) their 18th straight .500-plus season.

Blake Wheeler scored for the third consecutive game to cut Boston’s deficit to 3-1 at 43 seconds of the middle period, but the eighth-place Bruins failed to stretch their lead at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

—associated press