Defenseman Karel Rachunek will be back in the Devils' lineup tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers after missing the previous four games with a groin strain. Mike Mottau will sit in his place.
Devils coach Brent Sutter hopes that some time off watching games will help Rachunek, who has struggled, improve his play.
"He has to step up here," Sutter said. "He's an experienced defensesman who we need to step and play to his potential."
At the morning skate, Rachunek, who was injured in the home opener against Ottawa on Oct. 27, was paired with Johnny Oduya. All of the other defense pairings and the forward lines remained the same from Wednesday's practice.
Ok...the lack of confidence in Matvichuk was puzzling yet thats one thing....but the loyalty to Oduya? Thats a real head scratcher!
Posted by: Big Lou | November 08, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Although he's been largely ineffective so far this season, Oduya was easily a top 4 defenseman for the first half of last year. He has the skills, I think he just needs to keep working on it and adapting to the North American game.
Posted by: Yaron | November 08, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I hope that Rachunek is on a short leash. His play has not warranted an automatic return to the lineup.
Posted by: Eric | November 08, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Oduya-Rachunek...
The danger line! Danger Will Robinson! Danger!
Posted by: MoonDragn | November 08, 2007 at 02:20 PM
lets just hope oduya can hold onto that stick tonight.
Posted by: justin | November 08, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Lets hope that Rachunek doesn't pass the puck to Oduya when he drops that stick.
Posted by: MoonDragn | November 08, 2007 at 04:34 PM
I love how Rachunek's return springs a bunch of hate towards Oduya. I trust Johnny much more than Karl at this point. There have been times this season that Rachunek looks absolutely LOST on the ice. Sutter knows this, and I have a feeling that if he doesn't play well in the next few games, he's getting traded.
Posted by: Maxwell | November 08, 2007 at 05:19 PM
I like those quotes from Sutter. Hopefully Rachunek takes that to heart and plays better than he has so far.
Posted by: Brian | November 08, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Most of Last season Jon O was great, in the beginning of this season He was not, it looks like at this time He is finding His way back. For Me the jury is still out on Rachunek, I would have to see Him play more before I decide if this was a good signing. One thing that I know for sure is He is no way near a replacement for Raffy, I think that He would have flourished in this Sutter style of play, but unfortunatly We will never know for sure.
Posted by: Shari | November 08, 2007 at 09:03 PM