Roberto Luongo earned his 100th NHL victory and third shutout of the season by making 22 saves in the Panthers’ 4-0 win over the visiting Devils on Friday night.
Luongo improved to 20-20-8 and posted his first shutout since notching back-to-back blankings in the first two games of the season.
Martin Gelinas, Chris Gratton, Olli Jokinen, and Jozef Stumpel all scored against New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur, who earlier in the day agreed to a six-year contract extension that will pay him $31.2 million. He stopped 36 shots.
The Devils were shut out for the second straight night in Florida. New Jersey lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay in overtime on Thursday and hasn’t scored since the second period of a 4-0 win Tuesday at the New York Islanders.
Cullen out 2 to 4 weeks
Hurricanes center Matt Cullen will miss two to four weeks after breaking his jaw in Thursday’s win over the Thrashers.
Cullen returned to Raleigh on Friday to have his jaw immobilized, said Jim Rutherford, team president and general manager.
The 29-year-old center was injured when a puck struck him in the face with about 6 1/2 minutes left in the 5-1 win. He was taken to an Atlanta hospital after the game.
One-timers
Blues forward Jeff Hoggan will be out six to eight weeks with a broken right collarbone. Hoggan, who was injured Thursday against the Coyotes, was placed on injured reserve. . . . The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim announced they will officially change their name to the Anaheim Ducks at the start of the 2006-07 season. The NHL team also said it is evaluating possible changes to its logo and uniforms.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Minnesota 3 at Columbus 4
Defenseman Nick Schultz deflected puck into his own net with 6:33 left. Sergei Fedorov was credited with goal on miscue that capped Columbus’ 3-goal rally in 3rd period.
New Jersey 0 at Florida 4
Goalie Martin Brodeur suffered 1st loss to Panthers this season, snapped his 13-game unbeaten streak at Florida. Rostislav Olesz returned for 1st time since injuring shoulder on Jan. 12.
