9. april 2009 / PATRIK ELIAS RETURNS AS DEVILS CLINCH ATLANTIC DIVISION

After missing four games with a lower body injury, Patrik Elias returned to action Thursday night just in time to help his team claim its third Atlantic Division title in four seasons with a 3-2 shootout victory of the Ottawa Senators. Patrik logged over 17 minutes of ice time and registered two shots on goal in the win—the 50th of the season for a club who has battled injuries all year. Patrik remains second on the team in points with 78 (31g, 47a) with one game remaining Saturday afternoon vs. the Carolina Hurricanes at 1 pm in New Jersey. The Devils will finish in third place in the Eastern Conference however their opponent has yet to be determined in a tight race below them. Brian Gionta and Brian Rolston scored during regulation, and Brendan Shanahan scored the difference maker in the shootout.(Dan Altano)