EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Randy McKay scored twice as the New Jersey Devils closed the preseason with a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders.

Steve Brule and Sergei Nemchinov also scored for the Devils, who open the regular season Saturday against the expansion Atlanta Thrashers. New Jersey was 6-3 in exhibition play.

Rookie Tim Connolly had a goal and an assist for the Islanders, who managed only 17 shots and closed a 2-4 preseason with their fourth straight loss. They play at Tampa Bay on Saturday.

McKay scored a power-play goal in the final minute of the first period, taking a pass from Bobby Holik in the slot and beating goaltender Felix Potvin to the stick side.

The Devils built a 3-0 lead just 27 seconds into the second period on Nemchinov's third preseason goal, but needed McKay's second goal 7 1/2 minutes later to reclaim a two-goal lead, 4-2.

McKay, who tied Eric Bertrand for the team lead with four preseason goals, tipped in Lyle Odelein's slap shot while stationed in the slot.

Niklas Andersson and Jamie Heward scored 2:26 apart in the second to get the Islanders within 3-2.

Potvin made 22 saves over the first two periods before Wade Flaherty stopped all 13 shots he faced in the third.

Martin Brodeur went the distance for the Devils, stopping 14 shots and improving to 4-0 in the preseason.