Patrik Elias scored the game winner with 7:17 remaining as the visiting New Jersey Devils edged the reeling Winnipeg Jets 2-1 Saturday afternoon.

With the teams locked in a defensive battle, Elias put New Jersey ahead with his 700th career NHL point. Adam Larsson's point shot found Elias open in front of the crease, and he redirected the puck into a wide open net.

Elias had a chance to extend the lead on a penalty shot with 1:36 remaining, but his wrist shot from in close was stopped by Winnipeg netminder Ondrej Pavelec.

Winnipeg pressed in the final minute but couldn't draw even as it fell for the fifth time in six games. The Jets have been outscored by a 16-2 margin in the third period of their last 10 games.

Andrew Ladd opened the scoring with 1:29 remaining in the first period, taking a Johnny Oduya pass down the right wing and firing a wrist shot that fooled Devils netminder Martin Brodeur over his glove hand.

New Jersey finally hit the scoresheet 9:45 into the third period when Kurtis Foster ripped a shot up high past Pavelec, who had been sensational in stopping the first 20 shots he faced. It was Foster's first goal in a New Jersey uniform.

Jets forward Blake Wheeler left the game near the midway point of the second period after taking a shot in the throat. He did not return.