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Henrik Lundqvist made 38 saves for his 20th career shutout as the New York Rangers beat New Jersey 3-0 on home ice, a fifth consecutive loss for the slumping Devils.

The shutout was Lundqvist's third of the season for the Rangers, who struck for three second-period goals against top New Jersey netminder Martin Brodeur.

"Henrik was very good tonight," New York coach John Tortorella said. "And for us to make the playoffs, and go anywhere in the postseason, we are going to need him."

With the win, New York (40-28-9) moved within a point of sixth-place Pittsburgh (41-27-8) in the tight Eastern Conference race. New Jersey (47-25-4), who have already secured a playoff spot, maintained third place in the East despite their skid.

It was Lundqvist's third career shutout against the Devils.

"This year I haven't has as many (shutouts) as last year, but that's how it goes sometimes," Lundqvist said. "I made up my mind before the third period that I wanted this one, and it worked out."

Rangers Brandon Dubinsky, Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan all found net against Brodeur, who faced 37 shots.

"We're here to win games, and we're not coming through. Everybody," said Brodeur, who has won only once in five games since claiming his NHL goaltending record 552nd victory.

Dubinsky led off the scoring 4:35 into the second and two minutes later the Rangers held a 2-0 lead, Girardi getting the goal after assisting on Dubinsky's tally.

Callahan wrapped things up 15:06 into the period behind assists from Scott Gomez and Sean Avery.

Avery, a bitter rival of Brodeur, was twice knocked to the ice by the Devils' David Clarkson but refused to fight back.

New Jersey coach Brent Sutter was steaming over the way his team played.

"I'm disappointed in the whole group ... outside of our goaltender," Sutter said. "You get to a point where you say, 'Where is our commitment?"

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Reuters