Coming off a weekend that saw them sweep Boston and San Jose, the NHL’s top two teams, the Devils look to extend their seven-game road winning streak tonight with the first of two games in Florida, starting with the Panthers.
But as hot as the Devils have been of late, winning four in a row and 13 of 15, more buzz has been generated by the upcoming return of Martin Brodeur from the left biceps injury that has sidelined him since Nov. 1. The next step in his return comes this week when he rejoins his teammates.
“Just being around the team has helped me a lot in the last few weeks, just knowing that light is there at the end of the tunnel, and that you’re somewhat part of the team a little bit again,” Brodeur said after yesterday’s practice.
Despite Brodeur’s presence in the background, his replacements have continued to play well. Scott Clemmensen ranks sixth in the NHL in wins and goals against average, and with Sunday’s win against San Jose, he joined Brodeur as the only goalies in Devils history to win 25 games in a season.
Meanwhile, Kevin Weekes has won his last four starts.
“They’ve just gotta go play. When they get put in the net, they’ve gotta go play well,” coach Brent Sutter said of his goaltenders. “That’s what they’re expected to do. Yeah, it’s a tough situation . . . but until Marty’s back full time, until he’s ready to play, we still have a two-goalie tandem.”
In other injury news, winger Brendan Shanahan, who missed Sunday’s game against San Jose with a bruised right foot, listed himself as day to day. He hopes to play in at least one of the two games in Florida.
Sutter also listed defenseman Paul Martin, who missed Sunday’s game because of upper body soreness, as day to day.
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Winger Zach Parise was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week.
DEVILS at PANTHERS
Tonight: 7:30 – MSG+ WFAN (660)