The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the New Jersey Devils, 1-0, after the first period tonight at the Prudential Center.
The Devils lead in shots, 7-5.
A Devils' defensive zone miscue turned into a goal by Colby Armstrong at 13:50 of the period. Brian Rolston attempted to pass the puck across his own defensive zone. Kris Versteeg deflected the pass, and the puck bounced to Armstrong in the slot. Armstrong shot the fluttering puck past Martin Brodeur's glove for his second goal of the season.
This is the fifth straight game the Devils surrendered the first goal.
New Jersey couldn't connect on earlier chances to take the lead. With the Devils on a powerplay, Dainius Zubrus missed a golden opportunity. Zubrus moved into the Leafs' zone and whistled a shot from the right circle. The puck beat Jonas Gustavsson but clanged off the post.
Travis Zajac almost broke through at 8:57 of the period. Jamie Langenbrunner fed Zajac on the crease, but Gustavsson went to the splits and made the stop.
The second period hasn't been kind to New Jersey this season. Opponents have outscored the Devils, 41-27, during the middle period.