Ducks 2, Devils 1: Defenseman Francois Beauchemin scored early in the third period and visiting Anaheim withstood a furious comeback attempt to expand its lead in the race for the Presidents' Trophy.

Ryan Kesler also tallied for the Pacific Division-leading Ducks, who moved three points ahead of both Nashville and Montreal for first overall in the NHL. John Gibson made 26 saves as Anaheim completed a 3-2-0 road trip.

Dainius Zubrus spoiled Gibson's shutout bid by redirecting defenseman Andy Greene's slap pass with 3:25 remaining in the third. Cory Schneider turned aside 23 shots for the Devils, who suffered their fifth consecutive loss and officially were eliminated from postseason contention.

Anaheim opened the scoring with 2:53 remaining in the first period, when Kesler deflected defenseman James Wisniewski's blast from the blue line. It was the 20th goal of the campaign for Kesler, who reached the plateau for the seventh time in his career.

After a scoreless middle session, the Ducks doubled their lead 99 seconds into the third as Beauchemin's one-timer from the left point deflected off the shoulder of Devils defenseman Jon Merrill and into the net. A video review upheld the goal, as no conclusive evidence that Kesler touched the puck in front with a high stick was found.

GAME NOTEBOOK: New Jersey was knocked out of the playoff picture during the first period, when Boston earned a point by advancing to overtime against Carolina. ... Kesler originally was credited with Anaheim's second tally, which would have resulted in his third two-goal performance of the season. ... The Ducks outscored the Devils 7-2 in sweeping the two-game season series. ... New Jersey RW Patrik Elias notched an assist for his 1,015th point, moving him within five of Dale Hunter for 77th place on the all-time list.