Devils 2, Penguins 1 (OT): New Jersey's Surge Continues

Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - Ilya Kovalchuk's power-play goal with 25 seconds left in overtime lifted New Jersey over Pittsburgh, 2-1, at Prudential Center.

The game-winner was made possible when Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek was called for a questionable hook at 2:46 of the extra session.

Patrik Elias missed his initial chance from the right side, but gathered the puck, skated behind the Penguins net and dished back for Kovalchuk, whose laser-like one-timer hit the back of the net from the left circle.

"We worked hard. I don't think tonight was our best effort. We didn't have that jump in our legs, but we still found a way to win," said Kovalchuk.

Travis Zajac also tallied for the Devils, who have taken 11 of their last 12 games to keep themselves alive for a playoff berth. Martin Brodeur made 25 stops for the win.

"Clutch players are coming through and it's definitely nice to see," said Brodeur.

Tyler Kennedy notched the lone score for the Penguins, who dropped their sixth game in seven. Brent Johnson was the hard-luck loser with 28 saves.

"It's tough (to lose) because it was back-and-forth. Both teams played well offensively and defensively and it's tough not to come out on top," said Johnson.

Zajac put the Devils ahead at 3:43 of the second period, when he carried past two defenders and slipped a backhander home from the left side.

Kennedy evened things at 5:58 on a high wrister from the right circle, and both sides endured close calls throughout the remainder of regulation.

Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils: Devils Look To Continue Playoff Push Against Struggling Pens

The New Jersey Devils (28-31-4) need points to continue their miracle run for a playoff berth.

A matchup against the Sidney Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins (37-21-7) provides them with yet another opportunity to pull closer to the postseason.

The Devils will look to win their sixth straight at home tonight against a struggling Pens team at the Prudential Center.

New Jersey enters tonight's game 10 points behind the New York Rangers for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their second half surge - 18-2-2 in the past 22 games - propelled them from last in the league to 12th in the conference.

Ilya Kovalchuk has been instrumental to the Devils' recent run. The left-winger, who struggled during the first half of the season, tallied five game-winning goals in the team's last 11 games. His most recent came in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, when he one-timed a shot past Dwayne Roloson to break a third period tie.

The Penguins have lost three of their last four and are a pedestrian 3-4-3 in their last 10 games. Their usually explosive offense is struggling, failing to score more than two goals in their last five losses.

Injuries also ravaged the Penguins lineup. The team is still without Crosby, who's continuing to recover from a concussion. The Penguins are just 11-9-4 without their captain and point leader.

The Devils won the most recent matchup with the Atlantic Division rivals, 2-0, on January 20. Brian Rolston and Nick Palmieri scored first period goals, giving Martin Brodeur all the support he needed. The Devils' goalie stopped 23 shots for the shutout win.