SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Devils lost a close battle with the Sharks 2-1 on Saturday night — and nearly lost their legendary goaltender.
Martin Brodeur, who stopped 28 shots, was hit in the back of the head with the puck in the closing minutes, and was down on his back.
He threw up his left leg to block an attempt from Brent Burns, and then collapsed on the ice for a few minutes with his arms and legs extended.
Brodeur was attended to by a trainer and was able to get up and remain in the game, before being pulled moments later for an extra skater.
Scott Hannan and Tyler Kennedy scored goals in the first period for the Sharks and San Jose made the lead stand up.
Antti Niemi made 18 saves for the Sharks, who have won five of six.
Patrik Elias scored for the Devils, who entered with a season-high, three-game winning streak.
Elias scored on a power play midway through the third period. Andy Greene slid the puck out to the right side, and Elias shot it past Niemi’s right shoulder. Steve Bernier helped by screening Niemi.
The Devils, who came in averaging 25 shots a game, were held to 19 — including just 10 through two periods.
Hannan scored early in the first period from just inside the blue line. Hannan received a pass from Joe Thornton, who has 43 points in 35 games against the Devils, his second-most against any Eastern Conference opponent.
Thornton has 11 points in 10 games.
Burns earned his second point in two games after missing 13 because of an injury.
Kennedy scored late in the first period to make it 2-0 after Marty Havlat passed the puck out to him from behind the net.