Devils rally to beat Panthers 6-2; keep playoff hopes alive as Patrik Elias scores 2 goals

Florida Panthers center Shawn Matthias (18) passes the puck away from New Jersey Devils defenseman Mark Fayne (29) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (The Associated Press)

New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky (2) battles for possession with Florida Panthers center Marcel Goc (57) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (The Associated Press)

Patrik Elias scored twice and the New Jersey Devils kept with faint playoff hopes alive by rallying from a two-goal deficit for a 6-2 win over the Florida Panthers Saturday.

David Clarkson, whose big check seemed with wake up the Devils after they fell behind 2-0, tallied the go-ahead goal in a game New Jersey welcomed offensive catalyst Ilya Kovalchuk back to the lineup after missing 11 games with a shoulder injury.

Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Dainius Zubrus also scored as New Jersey won its second in a row after a 10-game losing streak (0-6-4).

Marcel Goc and Brian Campbell scored for the NHL-worst Panthers, who have lost five straight.

The Devils, the defending Eastern Conference champions, came into the game knowing that if they lost in regulation, they would not make the playoffs.