MONTREAL — For the second day in a row, the surging Devils were solid from their superstar goalie on out to cap a very successful weekend in Canada. Martin Brodeur made 28 saves for his NHL-leading seventh shutout of the season and Brian Gionta scored twice, lifting New Jersey to a 3–0 win over the Montreal Canadiens yesterday.

Mike Rupp scored his third goal 2:21 in, and Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski each had two assists for the Devils, who have won three in a row, including a 3–2 win in Ottawa on Saturday.

“It’s huge. Things are so tight still,” Gionta said. “We’re just trying to gain some ground and we played two good teams, so to win back-toback on the road is pretty good.”

New Jersey, which moved six points ahead of the Rangers atop the Atlantic Division, has won six games while remaining undefeated in regulation in its last seven (6–0–1).

“We’ve learned to play with each other and we have faith in what our coaches are trying to accomplish,” Brodeur said. “There’s good chemistry in the lines and everyone is getting their game together.”

Brodeur, who leads the league with 25 wins, is third in career shutouts with 87. He trails George Hainsworth (94) and Terry Sawchuck (103).