Ladd has 3 points to lead Jets over Devils 3-1

[March 01, 2013]  WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) -- Andrew Ladd scored 8 seconds into the game, tying a franchise record, and finished with two goals and an assist to lead the Winnipeg Jets over the New Jersey Devils 3-1 on Thursday night.

Blake Wheeler added an empty-net goal for the Jets, who have won three straight and five of six.

Andrei Loktionov had the lone goal for the slumping Devils, who have one win in their last six games after a fast start.

Ladd went around the defense to pick up a bouncing puck and put a backhand past Devils goalie Johan Hedberg just 8 seconds after the opening faceoff.

The Jets' captain extended his strong start by adding his 12th goal of the season to break a 1-all tie with 8 minutes remaining. Winnipeg defenseman Dustin Byfuglien carried the puck end-to-end and attempted a wraparound before Ladd jammed the loose puck into the net.

Loktionov tied the game early in the second period when he streaked down the right wing and snapped a shot between Ondrej Pavelec's pads.

The Jets had three power plays in the second, including 56 seconds with a two-man advantage, but couldn't generate much offense. They have only one power-play goal in their last 11 games.

New Jersey couldn't score on three power plays of its own.

Neither goalie was busy, but Pavelec needed to make some difficult saves to keep the Jets in the game. He stopped 22 shots.

It took the Jets more than 9 minutes to register their first shot of the third period. Hedberg finished with 18 saves.

NOTES: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur didn't make the trip to Winnipeg after injuring his back warming up for Sunday's game against the Jets. ... Winnipeg trainer Rob Milette and assistant equipment manager Mark Grehan received a standing ovation in recognition of their role aiding defenseman Zach Redmond last week when he was seriously cut by a skate blade. ... Devils center Travis Zajac, a Winnipeg native, played his first NHL game in his hometown. ... New Jersey's Alexei Ponikarovsky was back in Winnipeg after starting the season with the Jets. He played 12 games after signing as a free agent, but was dealt back to his former club.

[Associated Press]

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