Palmieri Scores Twice in Devils 2-1 Win on Patrik Elias Night

NEWARK, NJ – The stage was set in an emotional pre-game ceremony as the New Jersey Devils immortalized their all-time leading goal scorer Patrik Elias by retiring his No. 26 jersey before a sellout crowd in the team’s 2-1 win over the New York Islanders on Saturday night.

Devils forward Kyle Palmieri scored both the game-tying goal with 13:25 left in the third period and was set up by a chip pass up the boards from Taylor Hall, who extended his point streak to 21 games with the assist. Hall became just the sixth player in the last 25 years to record at least one point in 21 or more consecutive appearances.

Less than five minutes later, Palmieri added his second goal of the game on a tip-in from defenseman Sami Vatanen’s shot attempt from the blue line. Hall had a secondary assist on that play and now has 40 on the season. Palmieri’s go-ahead goal would turn out to be the game-winner.

“Our team battled for the entire 60 minutes and it was good to be able to get the win,” Palmieri said after the game. “It was a huge night for Patty and this organization. You look back at the career that Patty had and the rich history this organization has – it’s awesome to be able to celebrate that and to be able to wear this jersey like some of those guys that have their numbers up there in the rafters.”

With the win, the Devils improved their overall record on jersey retirement ceremony games to 5-0. With Keith Kinkaid in net, it marked the fifth different goaltender to record a win on such a game.

“He’s a tremendous guy – I was fortunate enough to play with him a little we got him a win on the night he was being honored,” explained Kinkaid after game.

The Devils thrilling comeback win capped off an emotional night for both the fans and Elias, who delivered an emotional speech in a special ceremony before the game.

“For someone who was growing up in an eastern Europe in a communist country, there’s no way I could ever dream of this day,” Elias said in his opening remarks to the fans and the Devils organization. “I’m so thankful and touched and honored by this.”

Elias joined former teammates Ken Daneyko, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Martin Brodeur as the only Devils to receive the highest honor that a franchise can bestow on a player as his No. 26 jersey was raised to the rafters at the Prudential Center. His four teammates were all present on the ice for the ceremony.

“I had a chance to play with some amazing players over the course of my career,” a teary-eyed Elias said during the ceremony, mentioning the aforementioned teammates. “It’s not only a privilege for me to have my jersey retired next to yours, but for a young kid coming into the league you cannot ask for better role models and leaders like these guys.”

During his 20-year career with the Devils, Elias became the all-time franchise leader in goals (408), assists (617) and points (1,025). He also led the team to two Stanley Cup Championships (2000 and 2003). It was in the 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs that the Czech-native had two of his many career-defining moments.

In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Elias scored the game-winning goal on a loose puck in front of the net with only 2:32 left in the third period to advance the Devils to the Stanley Cup Finals. It was there where he had the assist on Jason Arnott’s double overtime goal in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars to clinch the Stanley Cup. During the ceremony, Elias said that he saw Arnott at the corner of his eye on the no-look pass from the slot.

Last year, Elias announced his retirement from the NHL and the Devils honored him during Fan Appreciation Weekend by hosting ‘Patty’s Last Lap’ in a special pre-game skate.

“Sometimes the endings can be very difficult,” Elias suggested. “To (Devils coach) John Hynes and (Devils GM) Ray Shero, thank you for letting me walk away with dignity and on my own terms. You guys treated me with the utmost respect and gave me the time and opportunity to make the decision when I wanted to and I thank you for that.”

Elias spoke highly of the Devils organization and of the fans to who he credits his long-standing career.

“I absolutely want to thank all of you, the fans,” Elias concluded. “It was you who made a guy from the Czech Republic feel completely at home here in New Jersey. The love and support you have shown me warms my soul to levels that I have difficulty describing. With very deep sincerity, I thank the fans for your overwhelming support throughout my entire career.”

“Thank you for letting me be a Devil forever. I will leave a little bit of my heart here at the Rock where it will stay and where it belongs to all of you.”

Devils coach John Hynes said in a press conference earlier in the week that he continues to have a positive relationship with Elias, even after his retirement. Hynes says that he and Elias often have conversations about the team’s play. Hynes explained that Elias' leadership has had a lasting impact on veteran players such as Travis Zajac and Andy Greene and that his name is often cited as an example of how a player should conduct themselves.

“Patrik Elias is one of those guys where his NHL playing career is over, but his impact on people in the hockey world, particularly in this organization is going to continue,” Hynes said in a press conference after the game. “He’s never going to go away from having a positive impact on the people in this organization.”

Elias’ legacy is now cemented with other Devils greats and he will always have a special place in the hearts of fans and the organization. For years to come, the memories will be preserved in his highlights and the emotional speech that so many fans were privileged to attend.