By Tom Canavan, AP Sports Writer
NEWARK, N.J. — Devils defenseman Andy Greene scored the go-ahead goal on a power play, and Kyle Palmieri converted on an odd-man rush with Taylor Hall to lead New Jersey past the struggling Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Cory Schneider made 28 saves, and Pavel Zacha added a goal as New Jersey won for the fourth time in six games (4-1-1) in its push to make the playoffs.
Jeremy Smith stopped 37 shots in his NHL debut after seven seasons in the minor leagues. Recent waiver pickup Mark Barberio and Mikhail Grigorenko scored for Colorado, which has lost four straight and is 4-22-1 in its last 27 games.
The win was only the Devils' second against the Avalanche in 11 games.
