NEWARK -- The Devils needed a strong start to an important week, and they did just enough to edge the NHL's lowest team in the standings.
Two second-period goals to take the lead for good, plus 28 saves from goalie Cory Schneider, were enough to lift the Devils past the Colorado Avalanche, 3-2, on Tuesday at the Prudential Center.
The Devils got to Avalanche goaltender Jeremy Smith early in his NHL debut, with Pavel Zacha scoring his seventh goal of the season when he punched a rebound over Smith at 2:04 in the first period.