The Devils needed 39:18 to score their first goal of the game against the Penguins. But, Zach Parise only needed merely 37 seconds in overtime to seal the Devils biggest come-from-behind win this season.  New Jersey embarks to Buffalo, carrying two straight victories over the woeful Kings and division rival Penguins. Zach Parise, who has been Mr. Clutch this season, also assisted on the team’s first two goals in the Devils 4-3 overtime win.

The deflection past Conklin in the extra session was a milestone for Zach Parise. In his third NHL season, Parise finally scored a game-winning overtime goal.  While Parise produced three points, upping his team-leading totals to 20G, 28A and 48 Points, Elias added 1 goal and 1 assists in regulation, before being credited for his game-winning assist in the extra frame.

Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur stopped 31 shots and the Devils took advantage of a Crosby-less group. Brodeur was also credited with an assist on Parise's deflection past Conklin.

It has been a common thread this season for Devils fans to witness a Brodeur-Parise combo platter. Not only does this help me sleep better at night, but it allows me to imagine another Atlantic Division Title in site.

After allowing two second-period goals (down 2-1 after 40 minutes of hockey), the Devils regrouped in the locker room. Brent Sutter’s squad never surrendered, eventually tying the score on Clarkson’s backhander 1:44 after Elias brought the Devils within one.

To even beat Pittsburgh without Sidney Crosby, but hold Evengi Malkin to just a goal and an assist is a feat in itself. The Devils could not afford to lose 4 out of 5 before heading off to play a Buffalo Sabres team that is in fierce competition for that No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference right now.

After watching him tonight, I believe that the league should nominate Parise for the MVP award. Rightfully so.

However, there are players like Kovalchuk and Ovechkin who stand in Parise’s path.

Secondly, what kind of teams do they play on?

Both Atlanta and Washington, which are vying for the final playoff spot, are part of the weakest division in the NHL.

I think they play for some of the weakest teams within striking distance of making the postseason.

However, I cannot overlook Ovechkin’s league-leading 43 goals (including two 4-goal efforts) and 70 points.  In a close second, Kovalchuk has 38 goals (64 points).

But, I also know that Parise is our superstar. Whereas Vech and Chuk will not get Parise anywhere near that MVP Trophy, we all know that Parise is the Devils MVP.

That’s what matters to us.

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