Newark, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in their season series finale, as well as leaving the fans happy with a win in their last home game.

The Devils came out flying, registering eight shots to none within the first seven minutes. However, the Penguins stopped the momentum with a goal on just their second shot 8:52 into the first period. Matt Cooke pounded the puck home during a scrum in front of Devils goalie Johan Hedberg.

Hedberg was rewarded his first start since Martin Brodeur returned from injury on March 21, and earned his first win since March 13.

Apr 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center David Clarkson (23) celebrates his goal with New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (19) and New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Penguins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

But it was all Devils from there. Travis Zajac cut the lead to one with his seventh goal of the year. David Clarkson screened goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, allowing Zajac’s shot to find the back of the net. The goal came at 18:33 in the second and gave the Devils some momentum to build off of heading into the third.

The Devils did just that when Clarkson added a goal for himself to tie the game on the power play at 16:59 in the third period.

Apr 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; The New Jersey Devils celebrate a goal by New Jersey Devils right wing Ilya Kovalchuk (17) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Penguins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The clock hit double zeros and the last goal horn of the season went off. The Devils players then gave their salute to the crowd.

Patrik Elias got his 21st and 22nd assists on the year and was awarded with the second star of the game. As Elias was giving the post-game interview on the ice he received “Patty! Patty!” chants from the crowd. Elias will be a free agent this summer, but is expected to re-sign with the Devils.

Apr 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center David Clarkson (23) celebrates his goal with New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (19) and New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Penguins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

It was a great overall performance by the Devils and an even better experience for the fans who went home happy. The Devils, who were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday afternoon, have won four out of their last five games and are looking to finish the season in tenth place in the East.

The Devils end their season in what will be a heated match up against the New York Rangers Saturday afternoon.

Other Facts:
Attendance - 16,122

1st Star - Ilya Kovalchuk (Goal, Assist)
2nd Star - Patrik Elias (2 Assists)
3rd Star - David Clarkson (Goal)

Johan Hedberg is expected to start for the Devils tonight in between the pipes. This will be Moose’s first start since March 19. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils will play their final home game of the season tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tonight’s game at the Prudential Center is “Fan Appreciation Night” and has a special 7:30 start time. Here’s a look at what to expect tonight.

Preview

NJD: 18-18-10 (46 points, eliminated from playoff contention)

PIT: 35-11-0 (70 points, clinched 1st place in the Eastern Conference)

Last Ten

NJD: 3-6-1

PIT: 7-3-0

Season Series

NJD 2-1-0 (4/6 possible points earned)

PIT 1-2-0 (2/6 possible points earned)

February 2 @ PIT: PIT 5-1

February 9 @NJD: NJD 3-1

February 10 @ PIT: NJD 3-1

Goals

NJD: 2.33 GF/G, 2.52 GA/G

PIT: 3.30 GF/G, 2.46 GA/G

Special Teams

NJD: 16.0 PP%, 80.6 PK%

PIT: 23.8 PP%, 79.4 PK%

Broadcast Information

Television: NBC Sports Network, MSG Plus

Radio: Bloomberg 1130 AM

Other Notes

-Johan Hedberg is expected to start in net tonight for the Devils. This will be Moose’s first start since March 19.

-Evgeni Malkin returned to the Pens lineup on Tuesday after missing four games with an upper body injury, and is expected to play tonight as well.

-Sidney Crosby, James Neal, and Paul Martin are all not expected to play for Pittsburgh.

-Bryce Salvador will not play tonight or Saturday for the Devils due to his wrist injury.

-The Penguins had their seven game winning streak snapped by the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, and their hopes at the President’s Trophy are no more. The Chicago Blackhawks clinched the trophy after defeating the Edmonton Oilers last night.

The last home game of the year is sure to have some energy, and you can be sure that the Devils will compete tonight. Tune in tonight at 7:30 as the Devils look to win two in a row.