Backup goaltender Kevin Weekes will make his fifth start of the season -- and first since Dec. 10 in Washington -- tonight against the Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden.
Martin Brodeur had started 10 games in a row and posted his fourth shutout of the season Friday night over Philadelphia. Devils coach Brent Sutter said he talked it over with Brodeur on the flight to Boston. That Brodeur faced 36 shots against the Flyers and the Devils are playing their third game in four nights factored into the decision to go with Weekes.
"This is the right decision," Sutter said. "We're all 100 percent on this decision and it will probably happen again from now until the end of the season. Kevin Weekes deserves to play, too. He's been a trouper for us. He's got a great attitude, he's a great team guy and plays his heart out in practdice and every time he's gone into the net he's played his heart out. We didn't want him to sit for very much longer without getting a start."
Sutter and Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said they had received no word yet from the NHL about any possible disciplinary action against Philadelphia's Derian Hatcher for allegedly biting Travis Zajac's middle left finger on Friday night. "It's probably in the league's hands," Sutrer said. "I'm assuming that. I don't know that for sure. I'm sure they looked at it, but other than that, there's nothing to talk about."
**Matt Halischuk, the Devils' fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft, scored the winning goal for Canada in its 3-2 overtime victory over Sweden in the World Junior Championships gold medal game on Saturday in the Czech Republic. Halischuk, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound right wing got a brief look in rookie camp before going to Kitchener (OHL).
"It's fantastic," Lamoriello said. "He's had a great year up to this point in junior and it certainly climaxed with the game today."
Good for Weekes. Hopefully the Devils will play well in front of him.
And how about the WJC and Matt Halischuk! After Team USA choked, I was rooting for Canada because of him. He's been doing great in juniors, too.
Posted by: jules | January 05, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Wohooo nice to see you on TV Tom!!
Posted by: Amerz | January 05, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Well...looks like a bad decision now. Weekes has been brutal so far in this game (after one period)...ugh
Posted by: Devilswede | January 05, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Nice interview TG, that picture on the site does not do You justice, thanks for the constant up to the minute news, great job as usual.
Posted by: Shari | January 05, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Hi Tom, Great Job on TV today. They should have you on during intermissions more often. We always enjoy your insight on the Devils
Posted by: Mike | January 05, 2008 at 10:44 PM