Devils coach Brent Sutter hinted yesterday that Martin Brodeur will not return tomorrow.
Sutter said that he will wait until after practice today to make a decision about tomorrow night’s game versus Colorado. Yesterday, though, Sutter talked about being “very careful” and seemed to be bracing the media for the notion that Brodeur will not return tomorrow. Instead, the star goalie, who has been out since Nov. 1 recovering from arm surgery, could return this weekend.
“Listen, you’re talking about a player that’s been out for a long period of time here, and you’ve got to be very careful,” Sutter said. “Marty is a unique individual, and yet sometimes you’ve got to be very careful with that.
“This isn’t like he’s been out for just two weeks or three weeks. And he had a pretty serious injury and had significant surgery on that injury and I want to make sure that when it’s the right time, it’s the right time and nothing sooner.”
Sutter insisted he hadn’t made up his mind, but if he really hasn’t made a decision, that may be further evidence that Brodeur won’t start tomorrow. Sutter said he isn’t looking for something specific out of Brodeur in practice today.
“We’re going to get through another practice here and then make a decision,” he said. “I just want to get another day more than anything. He’s been pretty sharp in practice.”
The coach also indicated that because Brodeur is a goalie, the team has to be even more cautious because Sutter can’t simply play him for a few shifts or ease him back in.
“He’s out there and he’s out there for the duration,” Sutter said.