Kinkaid Flirts With Shutout as Devils Whip Panthers

The win was a treat for Devils rookie goalie Keith Kinkaid. Getting his first career shutout would have made it even sweeter.

Kinkaid came close, surrendering a lone goal with 1:29 remaining as New Jersey beat the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Saturday night.

"I can't lie. It was in the back of my mind," Kinkaid said. "I tried not to think about it too much. It wasn't the end of the world."

Just the end of a shutout bid for a rookie backup who improved to 2-3-3 in his first start since Jan. 9.

"It was upsetting to go 58 1/2 minutes without giving up a goal (and then losing the shutout bid)," Kinkaid said. "Hopefully, there will be plenty more games in my future, and we'll get it done."

Kinkaid stopped 26 shots while Mike Cammalleri and Steve Bernier each had a goal and an assist. Jaromir Jagr also scored as the Devils won for the sixth time in 10 games (6-2-2).

Kinkaid got the start as Cory Schneider rested after facing a season-high 43 shots in the Devils' 2-1 overtime loss to Pittsburgh on Friday.

"He's played well every time he's been in there," Devils general manager and co-coach Lou Lamoriello said. "Too bad we couldn't get the shutout for him. I've said all along that our goal tending is something we feel very good about."

Kinkaid, an undrafted free agent, was solid as the Devils beat the Panthers at home for the fifth straight time.

Kinkaid lost the shutout on a drive by Brandon Pirri. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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