Devils’ controversial goal spoils Mason’s dominance of East teams

January 17, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS (AP) — John Madden scored a controversial goal to help the New Jersey Devils overcome a third-period deficit and beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Friday night.

Kevin Weekes had 26 saves for the Devils, who won their second in a row in the fourth outing of a six-game road trip. Travis Zajac scored the tying goal on a Columbus giveaway, just 1:13 before Madden’s disputed goal.

Manny Malhotra scored for Columbus. Rookie Steve Mason had 26 saves in his first loss to an Eastern Conference team. He came in with a 6-0-0 record, 0.66 goals-against average, .977 save percentage and four shutouts in six games against the East.

With the game tied at 1, the outcome teetered on one play.

David Clarkson’s shot appeared to be covered by Mason for a second or two before the puck slid free. Madden beat defenseman Fedor Tyutin to the loose puck while the Blue Jackets’ other defenseman, Marc Methot, was pushed into the goal post and dislodged it — an instant before Madden jammed the puck across the goal line.

Referee Don Koharski signaled a goal immediately. The play was reviewed by NHL video officials in Toronto. After a few minutes delay, Koharski said the call on the ice would stand.

That touched off a loud chorus of boos from a crowd of 17,738, many wearing T-shirts on “white-out night.”