Left wings Patrik Elias and Jay Pandolfo were excused from this morning's practice because of what Devils head coach Brent Sutter termed, "little nagging things." The Devils still have two more days off before their next game on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers.
"With four days between games here, we just thought another day of rest would do them good," Sutter said. "They're ready to go. If we were playing tomorrow or the next day, they would have skated."
Defenseman Sheldon Brookbank was back for practice today after going to Lowell on a conditioning assignment to play in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Worcester. Brookbank had no points, two shots on goal and a first period fight with Worcester defenseman Brennan Evans.
With Elias and Pandolfo working out off the ice, there were no changes to the forward lines or defense pairings.
I hope Brookbank plays against the Rangers this thursday. The Devils need more physical defenseman.
Posted by: Ryan | October 22, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Amen, Please Whitey get better soon We need You.
Posted by: Shari | October 22, 2007 at 06:28 PM
I agree Ryan. I think its time Brookbank has a shot, and given they are playing a divisional rival, I think it makes sense to have a more physical presence in the line up.
Posted by: Brian | October 22, 2007 at 06:35 PM
I'm with you about Brookbank playing do you think Johnny O will have worked his way to a bench seat Thursday ? Keep a close eye on that for us TG
Posted by: Jersey Mike | October 23, 2007 at 12:26 AM
If this team was playing well and we were riding a winning streak I'd understand the waiting with Brookbank, but the team has played terrible and it's time to make a change or two. I just don't understand why Brookbank hasn't been given a chance yet. Sutter obviously loves Oduya so I think Mottau or Vishnevski will sit at some point.
Posted by: Devilswede | October 23, 2007 at 05:45 AM
they need to send oduya down to lowell, play matvichuk and brookbank. oduya is not cutting the mustard right now. his play is lazy and lackluster and its frustrating to watch.
Posted by: justin | October 23, 2007 at 09:41 AM
I am 99% sure Oduya has a one way contract. I too am disappointed in his play but I think he will turn it around. Its still early in the year. Rachunek is the one who should sit in my opinion.
Posted by: Brian | October 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM