Today would be the logical time to bring in the new coach, giving him three days to work his magic before the Devils’ next game against Vancouver Friday. It could still happen.
It was still only speculation as to whom would take over from interim coach Lou Lamoriello – or when it might happen. Skeptics still doubt that Brent Sutter would leave the junior team he part-owns, but it’s beginning to seem more and more likely, and the Devils might not be the only possible suitor.
Rick Dudley remained the other main Devils suggestion, while Robbie Ftorek, Dave Lewis and Walt Kyle were the other prime topics of speculation.
Lamoriello had raised his record to 5-5, thanks to a three-game winning streak the Devils brought into last night’s Meadowlands tilt against the Flyers.
The Devils’ little turnaround – and their bid last night for their longest winning streak of the season – coincided with the return of Patrik Elias, who had six points (2-4-6) in his three games back from hepatitis.
Facing the division leaders and their Turnpike rivals was surely the toughest test yet of the Devils’ short revival.
It also loomed as a test of rookie Cam Janssen, who has not been shy about fighting.
Flyers tough-guy Donald Brashear had long been intimidating the Devils as one of the most feared fighters in the league. Janssen claimed he was ready for his try with Brashear.
“He’s big guy. If he comes at me, it means I’m doing my job. If I’m hitting every one, and he doesn’t like it, too bad,” Janssen said. “You’re not really looking for it, but I’m here if it comes. You don’t [fight] for no reason, and I think I’ve had reasons.”
Brashear stands 6-2 and 235, while Janssen is listed at 6-0 and 205. The size would matter.
“He’s as tough as they come,” the 21-year-old Janssen said. “He’s a lot bigger than I am. I’m confident in myself, but if he beats me, he beats me.”
It may have been his job tryout. The Devils have long looked for someone to neutralize Brashear.
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Devils fell 5-2 Oct. 7 and 2-1 Nov. 30 in Philly this season. Alex Mogilny, still awaiting assignment after clearing waivers, shared team lead with Paul Martin with two points in the season series . . . Flyers are on an 11-game road trip, but have been going home several times during stretch . . . Sean Brown and Darren Langdon were expected to be Devils’ scratches.