Hedberg, Devils silence Islanders

Johan Hedberg made 22 saves for his 22nd career shutout and the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Islanders 2-0 Sunday. Steve Bernier scored for New Jersey in the third period and David Clarkson added an empty-netter to help the Devils snap a four-game winless streak (0-1-3). While neither the Islanders nor Devils was able to break through in the opening 55 minutes, both teams alternated periods in which they controlled play. New York outshot the Devils 10-7 in a high-tempo first period, while New Jersey implemented its trademark defensive system in the second. Hedberg's biggest save came 8:08 into the third period when he stoned New York right wing Michael Grabner on a short-handed breakaway with the game scoreless. Evgeni Nabokov had 24 saves. His best one occurred 2:05 into the second when he swallowed a drive by Patrik Elias following Brian Strait's giveaway in his own zone. New Jersey killed all seven of New York opportunities with the man advantage and New York killed both of New Jersey's power plays. New York's 96 percent success rate on the penalty kill is best in the NHL. Notes: New York scratched defensemen Joe Finley and Radek Martinek, and right wing Colin McDonald. New Jersey scratched defensemen Peter Harrold and Henrik Tallinder, and center Stefan Matteau. .The Islanders and Devils will play twice more this season (Feb. 16 at Nassau Coliseum, and Apr. 1 at The Prudential Center). .The announced attendance was 11,558.