Newark, NJ- Brian Rolston scored two goals in a 48-second span of the second period and then added his third of the night in the third to lift the New Jersey Devils to a 4-2 victory over the visiting New York Islanders Wednesday night.

The Islanders struck first in the tilt. After a big hit on Matt DAgostini lead to a Devils turnover, Steve Sullivan along with Tyler Ennis and Patrick Dwyer countered with a 3-on-2 break. Using Chris Campoli as a screen, Sullivan fired a snap shot over the catching glove of Kari Lehtonen to give the Isle an early 1-0 lead.

In the second period, the Devils no. 1 would take over. Just 1:17 in the middle frame, Rolston would get his first of the night. After a Shane Doan shot missed the net, Lubomir Visnovsky, pinching in from the point, fired a shot on Cam Ward, who made a left pad save. The rebound found its way to the high slot where Rolston banged it home to tie the score.

With the arena PA announcer still announcing Rolstons first goal to the crowd of 13,075, Rolston scored again. With the Devils cycling the puck in the Islanders zone, Rolston had three attempts towards Wards net. The first two pucks when wide, but this third attempt found its way through Wards five up to put the Devils in the lead. Visnovsky and Patrik Berglund had the helpers on the goal.

Berglund continued his personal goal scoring streak when he picked up a second period goal. Shane Doan starting the whole play by winning an offensive-zone power play faceoff. The puck ended up at the skates of Rolston on the right wing boards. He found Berglund alone at the left post and quickly hit him with a pass. Berglund converted the slam dunk for his fifth of the season and a 3-1 NJ lead with 17:26 play in the second

In the third period, Islanders Craig Adams scored to cut the Devils lead to just one.

The Devils (5-0-1) regained their two-goal lead just less than four minutes later. With Matt Bradley off for roughing, Rolston completed the hat trick. Again the lively home boards affected the goal as Doans shot went wide and rebounded to the left post where Rolston laid waiting. The veteran made no mistake and the Devils had their two-goal margin. Doan picked up his third point of the night as did Berglund.

Lehtonen saved 35 of 37 and Ward had 33 saves on 37 shots for the Islanders (2-2-1).

The East leading Devils head through the tunnel and visit the Rangers Thursday night at MSG. Four games ago the Devils visited MSG and came away with an overtime loss at the hands of the Rangers.

SWAMP THINGS- Mason Raymond left the game with a sore right knee. He will miss at least four games. Look for Marcel Goc to dress in his spotBoyd Gordon was 7/9 on faceoffsRolston won all four of hisDevils swept 3-star (Rolston, Berglund, Visnovsky)

http://brhlhockey.com/brhl2/File/2011-RegularSeason/BRHL2-77.html