Penguins nip Devils, 3-2

Pascal Dupuis scored 41 seconds into the game and the streaking Pittsburgh Penguins used a big first period to beat the New Jersey Devils, 3-2, on Friday night in Pittsburgh.

Chris Conner and Jayson Megna also scored in the first for Metropolitan-leading Pittsburgh, which has won seven of eight. The Penguins also extended their home winning to seven games.

Marc Andre-Fleury improved to 12-2 at Consol Energy Center, making 37 saves - many of them on quality chances over the final 40 minutes of the game.

Patrik Elias and Dainius Zubrus scored 56 seconds apart early in the second period, but New Jersey dropped to 1-4-1 in its past six.

After Pittsburgh took a 3-0 lead into the first intermission, the Devils controlled the remainder of the game. But Fleury was sharp.

Perhaps his best saves came on Steve Bernier - twice, with a pad and then his stick while sprawling - with 14:40 to play in regulation. Fleury then denied Damien Brunner on a partial breakaway.

Fleury is second in the NHL in home wins and goals-against average and third in save percentage at home.

- Associated Press