Devils 3, Predators 1: Cory Schneider made 33 saves to allow a pair of early goals to stand up as host New Jersey improved to 6-1-1 in its last eight games.

Adam Larsson scored his career-high third goal and fellow defenseman Eric Gelinas added a power-play tally for the Devils, who moved within seven points of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Mike Cammalleri was credited with his team-leading 24th goal late in the third period to extend his point streak to seven games.

Mike Fisher scored the lone goal for the Predators, who have dropped a season-high four in a row. Making his first start since Feb. 22, Carter Hutton turned aside 21 shots as his four-game winning streak came to a halt.

New Jersey scored on two of its first three shots to take the early lead, with Larsson's wrister from the slot sailing under the crossbar 58 seconds into the contest before Gelinas' blast from the point three minutes later doubled the advantage. Nashville answered 2:11 into the second period as Fisher stuffed home a rebound from the left doorstep for his 16th goal.

The Predators pressed for the equalizer but were unable to close the gap in the middle session despite owning a 21-6 advantage in shots. The total was the most allowed in a period this season by New Jersey, which sealed the win with 1:14 remaining in the third as Cammalleri was tripped by Nashville defenseman Seth Jones while staring at an empty net.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Playing in his 1,200th NHL contest, Nashville C Matt Cullen saw his four-game point streak come to an end. Cullen collected two goals and four assists during the run. ... Cammalleri has recorded six goals and three assists during his point streak ... Devils rookie D Damon Severson logged 16:21 of ice time in his first game since Dec. 15. Severson had been sidelined with a fractured ankle, which he sustained while blocking a shot by Washington captain Alex Ovechkin.