Philadelphia Flyers 2, New Jersey Devils 1
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PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Marcus Ragnarsson scored early in the third period and
Robert Esche stopped 37 shots to help the Philadelphia Flyers edge the New
Jersey Devils, 2-1, on Saturday. Ragnarsson, who netted his second goal in as
many games, beat goaltender Martin Brodeur 23 seconds into the final stanza for
his second game-winner of the season. Esche made 14 saves in the second period
and turned aside 13 shots over the final 20 minutes to pick up his fourth
victory in his last five starts. Simon Gagne achieved the 20-goal plateau for
the fourth time in five seasons when he scored early in the opening period for
Philadelphia, which improved to 3-2-1 against New Jersey this year. Brodeur
suffered his sixth defeat in his last nine starts after allowing two goals on
21 shots. Scott Gomez extended his point-scoring streak to six games with a
goal for the Devils, who fell nine points behind the Flyers for first place in
the Atlantic Division.