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Parise, Devils light it up on Niedermayer night

Dallas Stars v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Adam Henrique #14 (R) of the New Jersey Devils scores a shorthanded goal at 3:35 of the second period and is joined by (L-R) Anton Volchenkov #28, Bryce Salvador #24, and Zach Parise #9 in their game against the Dallas Stars at the Prudential Center on December 16, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett

The New Jersey Devils aren’t the elite team they once were when Scott Niedermayer patrolled their blueline, but they sure put on a show as his No. 27 ascended to the rafters. It only makes sense that a Devils first-round pick ran with that game, too, as Zach Parise dominated the action. Parise scored four points as the Devils overwhelmed the Dallas Stars 6-3.

Usually a goal is the highlight reel fodder, but my favorite Parise moment was one of his three assists. He fouled up Stephane Robidas next to the Stars’ blue line and then sent a perfect pass to Adam Henrique for an impressive shortie.

It’s starting to look like Parise is over his knee injury, by the way. The talented winger has points in all but one of his last 10 games, including eight in his last three.

Parise picked a great time for his best game of the season as this was the Devils’ first sellout since opening night, according to Tom Gulitti. New Jersey is heating up, as well, as they’ve ridden good shootout work and improving high-end scoring to a 5-1 record in their last six games.

It’s hard to tell what these 17-13-1 Devils are really capable of, but one thing seems clear: Parise’s back.