Devils coach Brent Sutter, once again, used John Madden, the team's longtime checking center, at left wing on a line with rookie center Rod Pelley and Arron Asham in tonight's game. Madden admitted the move came as a surprise and that it's strange being split from his longtime linemate Jay Pandolfo. They have played together since Madden broke into the league in 1999-2000.
"When you change something up, sometimes it sparks something," Madden said. "It's different on the wing. It gives you a little more freedom. Hopefully, it's a change that helps the team win more games."
Sutter says he is happy with the 22 players he has left after rookie defenseman Matt Corrente was sent back to junior on Friday night. That will likely be his roster for the start of the season while Jamie Langenbrunner, Cam Janssen and Colin White recover from their respective injuries. "Twenty two is perfect," Sutter said. "You have one extra forward and one extra defenseman. You really don't need any more than that. The farm team is close."
Center Sergei Brylin said he got the wind knocked out of him when he was hit by Sean Bergenheim in the second period. Sutter said left wing Patrik Elias didn't play tonight because his groin felt sore after the morning skate. "We just want to make sure (he's healthy for the start of the season)," Sutter said.
I hope Elias' groin can heal up before thursday night. I wonder who will be the 13th forward in Tampa. Mike Rupp?
Posted by: 2600 | September 29, 2007 at 09:57 PM
TG... thanks for the great recaps. I love that I can get a great write period by period!! Keep the blog going... I check it several times a day!
Posted by: Jen | September 29, 2007 at 10:27 PM
yep, definitely enjoying the blog. keep it up Tom!
Posted by: 2600 | September 30, 2007 at 01:03 PM
this is going to be the best football games out so far, except for halo 3 this will be the most played game of 08 over GTA i think.
Posted by: nutritional supplement | August 12, 2008 at 04:14 PM