Brian Rolston set up all three goals by Elias, rookie Nick Palmieri got the winner midway through the third period, and Johan Hedberg made 34 saves in what was a must-win game for the Devils.

New Jersey has to win its final five games and get a lot of help or it will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1996.

“Mathematically, we’re still in,’’ Elias said. “We’re trying to play well, work hard and have fun. We’ll see where we’re at in five games.’’

James Van Riemsdyk and Jeff Carter scored for the Eastern Conference-leading Flyers, who have lost two in a row and three of four. Brian Boucher made 20 saves for Philadelphia.

After Carter tied it at 2 early in the third period, the Devils put the game away with two goals that went in off skates and had to survive reviews.

Palmieri got the winner with 11:05 to play by simply being in the right spot at the right time. Ilya Kovalchuk carried the puck into the Flyers’ zone, skated to the middle, and tried to hit the rookie with a pass. The puck hit off the toe of Palmieri’s skate and into the net, prompting Boucher to wave his arms in protest. The goal stood.

Flames 3, Blues 2 — Jarome Iginla scored his second goal of the game with 5:03 left to reach 1,000 points and help Calgary rally for the victory in St. Louis.

Iginla became the 77th player in NHL history to record 1,000 points when he beat goalie Jaroslav Halak with a wrist shot on a breakaway for the Flames, who trailed, 2-0, in the second period.

Iginla also had an assist, Alex Tanguay added a goal and two assists, and Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 25 shots as Calgary remained 3 points behind Chicago in the race for final Western Conference playoff spot.

David Backes had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who were eliminated from playoff contention when Chicago beat Columbus.

Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 3 — Viktor Stalberg had the only goal in the shootout and Corey Crawford made 31 saves as visiting Chicago earned 2 precious points. The defending Stanley Cup champs are eighth in the Western Conference, the last playoff spot.

Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist and Brent Seabrook and Bryan Bickell also scored for Chicago.

Avalanche 4, Coyotes 3 — Ryan O’Reilly tied it late in regulation, then had the only score in the shootout to give visiting Colorado the victory.