NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Johan Hedberg made 16 saves and David Clarkson scored a power-play goal in the first period to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 1-0 win over the New York Islanders in a preseason game Friday night.
Clarkson’s goal at 11:28 of the opening period was his first of the preseason for New Jersey (2-3-0).
Rick DiPietro stopped 20 shots for the Islanders (1-3-0). DiPietro missed the final 31 games of last season with a fractured orbital bone and a swollen knee following a fight with Pittsburgh goaltender Brent Johnson during New York’s 3-0 loss on Feb. 2.
DiPietro was spectacular in turning away New Jersey’s Vladimir Zharkov on a semi-breakaway in the second period and David Steckel’s 2-on-1 attempt in the third.
The Islanders lost rookie right wing Nino Niederreiter to a groin injury in the first period. He will be re-evaluated Saturday.
