Unhappy with how defenseman Karel Rachunek and Vitaly Vishnevski played on Saturday night in Ottawa, Devils coach Brent Sutter is taking both of the lineup for today's game against the Carolina Hurricanes and replacing them with Sheldon Brookbank and Andy Greene.
Broobank has been a healthy scratch for 21 consecutive games since he last played on Dec. 29 against the Islanders. The timing could not be better for him for his return because it gives him a chance to play against his older brother, Wade, for the first time in his career.
"I was just more worried about playing and getting back in the lineup somehow," Sheldon said. "It couldn't have worked out better that it happens to be against Wade this afternoon."
Brookbank was trying not to get too excited.
"You want to be fired up, but you don't want to be going out of control," he said. "I'm pretty excited, pretty intense, but I don't want to go overboard with anything."
Greene was a healthy scratch the last three games. Sutter said he would play Greene and Brookbank together because they've been skating together a lot in practice.
"We just felt it would be good to get (Brookbank) back going here and playing and we weren't particularly happy with the way Vish and Karel played in Ottawa as a pair," Sutter said. "Greener and Brookie have been doing a lot of stuff together after practice and on-game days together as a pair, so we thought we'd put the pair in and take the pair out."
It's also possible the Devils might be showcasing Greene or Brookbank for a trade before next Tuesday's league deadline.
Martin Brodeur will start his 19th game in a row in net. In addition to Rod Brind'Amour, who is out with a season-ending knee injury, the Hurricanes will also be missing Erik Cole (flu) and Ray Whitney (groin) this afternoon. John Grahame will start in net.
alright greene show em u belong on the ice!
Posted by: Tom | February 18, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I was wondering when Sutter would start rotating his dmen more. I like Vish and Rachunek, so I hope that they come back strong. Hoping for a strong effort from Greene and Brookbank as well.
But Grahame in net? That's not good.
Posted by: jules | February 18, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Anyone know what Radio Station the Devils will be on this afternoon? i know its normally 660 but they change it sometimes for afternoon games......
I wonder what exactly the Devils could get for Greene and or Brookbank, interesting thought there TG...
Posted by: RJ Arditti | February 18, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I actually don't like either Vish or Karl. Vish only brings a big hit here and there. But is average at best. Karl is pretty decent, and can run point on PP, but I'm not liking him too much.
I've always like Brookbank, thought his size is an asset, but he does make some bad plays. I think that has to do with playing time though. Keep him in and he'll do well. Greene has had his shot, but just can't capitalize on it. He's good, but I don't see him as a Devil for too much longer.
Any word on the Clarkson for Michael Ryder (Montreal) trade?
Posted by: Falcone | February 18, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Why would Grahame in net not be good? Our forwards are getting the job done recently (although a few chances stick out in my mind that SHOULD HAVE been buried ahem langenbrunner) so yeah I think this guy is toast! I also think this is a GREAT time to get greene back in the lineup. I'm eager to see what Brookbank brings to the table as well. If he can be as much of a banger as Vish is minus the boneheaded hits Vish makes that take him out of the play, then Brookbank might even stick around. Unless both him and Greene are trade bait of course like TG noted...
Posted by: James | February 18, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Grahame is aweful, hopefully the team isn't in for a letdown against the injury plagued Canes after the big win against Ottawa.
VV and KR deserve to be benched for their poor play Saturday, they almost singlehandedly blow that lead for us. It's about time Sutter benched VV for a game.
Something tells me that Lou may have asked Sutter to play Greeney and Brookbank so he can make a trade sometime this week. Lou won't be getting any tan the next 3 days, he'll be bunkered down in the hotel down in Florida trying to improve our team.
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Grahame is aweful, hopefully the team isn't in for a letdown against the injury plagued Canes after the big win against Ottawa.
VV and KR deserve to be benched for their poor play Saturday, they almost singlehandedly blow that lead for us. It's about time Sutter benched VV for a game.
Something tells me that Lou may have asked Sutter to play Greeney and Brookbank so he can make a trade sometime this week. Lou won't be getting any tan the next 3 days, he'll be bunkered down in the hotel down in Florida trying to improve our team.
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2008 at 11:44 AM
something tells me there won't be much brotherly love. I expect Sheldon and Wade to square off on the first shift they face each other.
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2008 at 11:46 AM
something tells me there won't be much brotherly love. I expect Sheldon and Wade to square off on the first shift they face each other.
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2008 at 11:47 AM
TG, do you really think they will try to trade Greene? It seems to me that they would have to make it a package deal with someone else. Nothing against Greene cause I hope he stays with the Devils, but I don't think him by himself would get a great trade.
Posted by: Ron | February 18, 2008 at 11:55 AM
that would be interesting for sure!
Posted by: RJ Arditti | February 18, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Actually, I’m pretty sure that Grahame has a winning record against us. The Canes are hurting right now, but they’ve still managed to pull out some wins. I know that the guys have been owning the Canes this season, but I hope that they’re not overconfident.
Posted by: jules | February 18, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Nice to see Brookbank get back in the line up. It has to be hard to feel like a member of the team when you don't play in over a month. Hopefully me makes the best of this opportunity.
There is no update on the "rumor" Clarkson for Ryder deal because it probably never existed in the first place. Fischler just made that up out of his head and there was no validity to it.
Posted by: Brian | February 18, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Fischler?? Said something that's worth listening to?? Nah not a chance
Posted by: James | February 18, 2008 at 12:05 PM
TG, Just out of curiosity, do you know if Lou is planning to sign Pando to an extension before the season is over?
Posted by: FTC | February 18, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I talked a to Pandolfo a couple of weeks ago and he said there has been no discussion of his contract with Lou, but he would be willing to listen.
I wouldn't rule out Greene being traded, but I think this is more of an opportunity for the Devils and others to see what Brookbank can do.
Posted by: TG | February 18, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Thanks for answering my question TG.
Posted by: Ron | February 18, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Hey TG,
Do you see Weekes getting a start possibly this weekend against the Caps?
Posted by: Erik | February 18, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I've pretty much stopped guessing on Weekes, but that would make sense. Today's game would have made sense, too.
Posted by: TG | February 18, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Finally Sheldon gets a chance, hopefully he plays a hard in your face type of game, this team need more tough players willing to play with an edge.
Posted by: Michael | February 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
The game is on WFAN today.
Posted by: TG | February 18, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Grahame is bad because we're horrible against backup goalies.
Posted by: Glen | February 18, 2008 at 01:08 PM
WOOO HOOO 2-0!!!! WE ROCK!!!
Posted by: RJ Arditti | February 18, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Nice interview on WFAN at intermission, TG.
Posted by: Sarah | February 18, 2008 at 01:56 PM
LOL just gonna write that.. great interview with the fan TG
Posted by: RJ Arditti | February 18, 2008 at 01:58 PM