Theodore, Panthers blank Devils to take 3-2 series lead

Sunrise, FL – Jose Theodore went from spectator to difference-maker in a span of 48 hours.

Theodore made 30 saves for his second career playoff shutout and the Florida Panthers posted a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Pulled six-plus minutes into Game 3, Theodore was relegated to backup as Scott Clemmensen made his first career postseason start in Thursday's Game 4, a 4-0 win by the Devils.

Kris Versteeg, Scottie Upshall and Tomas Kopecky scored for the Panthers, who can finish off the Devils Tuesday in New Jersey.

Florida is on the verge of its first series win since ousting the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1996 Eastern Conference Final.

Martin Brodeur stopped 30 shots in defeat.