Newark, New Jersey (Reuters) - The Chicago Blackhawks won their first game in New Jersey in over 12 years with a 2-1 shootout victory over the Devils on Friday. Jonathan Toews scored the only goal in the shootout, after Kris Versteeg, his Chicago teammate, scored with just 26 seconds left in regulation to cancel out Ilya Kovalchuk's first-period opener and force overtime. The Blackhawks had not won in New Jersey since December 30, 1997. Both teams are now tied for playoff positions, with Chicago closing in on the Central Division title and earning a tie with New Jersey for the Atlantic Division lead, despite the loss being their third in a few games. Toews slipped the winner past New Jersey netminder Martin Brodeur's glove side.
"I know that sometimes he likes to put his glove there and flash the leather up high," Toews told reporters. "He'll give you the top of the glove and it's pretty enticing, so a lot of shooters shoot for it and he waits. I decided to take a chance."
Toews scored on the first shootout attempt against Brodeur, who finished with 25 saves. Chicago netminder Antti Niemi ended regulation and overtime with 32 saves. "He (Niemi) has been incredible for us all year," Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook said. "He's won us some big games and he's been great. He kept us in the game and gave our forwards a chance to tie it," Seabrook added. "Then he played great in the shootout." Versteeg's goal came from an off-balance slap shot that deflected off the stick and skate of defenseman Mike Mottau and went between Brodeur's legs. Chicago had pulled Niemi in favor of an extra skater.
Brodeur said he was concerned about the Devils giving up goals in the final seconds of periods. "It is a concern because I think we're going to play some tight games in the playoffs and losing games like this can change the momentum of a series," Brodeur said. Kovalchuk's goal was his 40th of the season.
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in North Carolina; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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