Although Martin Brodeur posted the shutout tonight, Devils coach Brent Sutter sounded like he was leaning toward giving backup Kevin Weekes the start against the Bruins Saturday night in Boston. The game is the team's third in four nights and Brodeur has started 10 in a row.
"I'm going to have that discussion with Marty on the plane to Boston," Sutter said. "We've got a lot of games coming up. We go every other day almost right up to the all-star break, so we want to be careful and you don't want Weeksie to wait too long. So, we'll have a discussion with Marty and we'll make a decision."
Weekes, who has four previous starts this season, has not played since going the distance in a 3-2 defeat in Washington on Dec. 10.
**With Friday's win, Sutter locked up a spot as an assistant coach for the Eastern Conference in the Jan. 27 NHL All-Star Game in Altanta. Ottawa's John Paddock will be the head coach.
**Brodeur's shutout was the eighth of his career agaisnt the Flyers, surpassing Jacques Plante's record of seven for most against the Flyers.
i think its a good game for Weekes, i don't think Marty will forget how to play if he sits one game
Posted by: Jon | January 05, 2008 at 03:55 AM
I think they should start Weekes here, just seems like it would fit. Congratulations to Sutter on making it to the all-star game, I have loved this guy and his attitude since he was hired.
Brodeur>Flyers
Posted by: Brian | January 05, 2008 at 10:22 AM
TG, how impressive was Martin last night? The guy was flying all over the ice...like how he was pinching in and being more aggressive in the offensive zone- looked like he had an extra gear last night. Play Weekes tonight! Lot of games coming up, plus Marty will be playing in the Skills competition & All Star Game as well
Posted by: Jason | January 05, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Marty was really sharp last night, but they've got to give Weekes the start here. No more back to backs until February. I'd have Weekes penciled in for a few games in February, when they have 6 games the first 9 days, then 5 games in 8 days from the 13th to the 20th, then 3 games in 4 days from the 23rd to the 26th.
They brought Weekes in to take some of the load of Marty, and they need to start sticking to that. Even if Marty plays 72, that would give him more rest compared to the past couple years (played 73 in 05-06, but was hurt for I think 6 of them). I guess he's on pace for 72 right now if Weekes plays in Boston.
Marty seems to hate rest, but there can be long breaks in the playoffs (05-06), so it's not like he needs to build up stamina.
Posted by: Dave | January 05, 2008 at 11:05 AM
TG, the ice looks much improved. Is there any comments if the ice has been fixed and just how nice is it?
Posted by: Tom | January 05, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I was hoping Weekes would get the nod tonight. If we want to have him there as "rest" for Marty, he's got to play often enough to stay sharp. This is a good game for him. Hopefully the boys continue to play well in front of him.
Posted by: Sarah | January 05, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I really hope Weekes starts tonight. Not just because Marty should have some games off, but also because he's definitely a competent back up and a great team guy.
Posted by: jules | January 05, 2008 at 12:56 PM
The ice had been improving. Then, it was terrible on Wednesday night against Florida. It looked like it was better again last night, though.
When Buffalo was in last week, Lindy Ruff said the ice was good. The Devils said the ice was terrible on Wednesday, though, and it looked that way by how much the puck was bouncing around.
Posted by: TG | January 05, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Congrats to Sutter.
Posted by: Pat D | January 05, 2008 at 05:00 PM