Clemmensen will start against Florida

It's official. Scott Clemmensen and Brent Sutter confirmed Clemmensen will start in net tonight against the Florida Panthers at Prudential Center.

That will make it three starts in a row for Clemmensen, who bested Washington, 6-5, in a shootout on Saturday.

"We just felt that after the last two games, he can play tonight," Sutter said. "I thought about it through the day yesterday and I just think it's the right thing today to play him tonight. After tonight's game, we'll think about who is going to play tomorrow (against the Islanders."

Sutter has said previously that both goaltenders will play at least one game during this stretch of three games in four days. Starting Kevin Weekes on Friday would make the most sense, but Sutter appears to be leaving the door open in case Clemmensen plays really well tonight.

Regardless, it demonstrates that the coaching staff has confidence in Clemmensen.

"I hope so," Clemmensen said. "I'm happy with the way I've played up to this point, but I'm not satisfied with it. I know there are things I can do better in certain situations, certain goals I'd like to have back here and there. But, as long as I go in there and play like I know I can, I hope that would warrant more starts in the future."

That's something new for Clemmensen. When he was Martin Brodeur's backup, he knew that no matter how well he played, he'd probably have a long wait before his next start.

"It's a good new because this is the first time I've been given a chance to play with the opportunity to earn more playing time," Clemmensen said. "And that's the key there, I'm assuming that if I play well, I have a chance to earn more playing time. That is new. I'm an eighth-year pro now and that's something that's new for me at this level. And that's something that I don't take for granted. That's all I've ever asked for, to have a chance.

"It's not that they didn't believe in me before. If they didn't believe in me, I wouldn't be with this organization. I've played games before with them and they know I can play in this league. It's just that when you have Marty Brodeur, when you have a big gun, you use it."

***
With Clemmensen starting in net, that means the Devils' entire lineup will be the same as Saturday. Petr Vrana will again be a healthy scratch and defenseman Sheldon Brookbank will skate at right wing again on the fourth line with Nicklas Bergfors and Mike Rupp.

Comments

[bobo]

I feel bad for weeksie. He waits and waits as marty's backup, gets into a handfull of games and now gets passed over for clem.

[MikeDeadworks]

I'm excited for tonights game. I might be hoping the train and going, or just watching at home. But either way I look forward to it.

[Kevin]

I have tickets for tomorrow night's game, second row from the ice on ebay for under cost if anyone is interested... Late plans by the wife forces sale! Check out the picture, beyond Brodeur's shoulder are the seats. Go DEVILSSSS

[JJ]

They'll split time bobo. Nothing in Clemmer's game is outstanding. Sutter's just trying to keep them both sharp and go with the hot hand.

[Salvatore from Garfield]

Weekes gotta earn them.

Then again, what did he have... one bad game? Against the Rangers? Did the whole team that night have one of those nights?

[JJ]

All I know is they had better play a complete 60 minute game tonight. If they "play down" to their opponent with the team in the condition it's in then they should just give us our season ticket money back.

[Pete]

A part of me will still never forgive Clemmensen for writing an article in The Hockey News about how he felt he wasn't part of the team. I'm not saying I blame him for feeling that way when he only plays a few games a year, but show some class like Weeksie and keep your mouth shut.

[Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti)]

i still say this makes the most sense. Start Clemmer tonight, then go with Weekes for the more important divisional game on friday then probably clemmer again in Tampa. It doesn't reflect one way or another on either goalie in my opinion. i think it makes sense to go with the more experienced Goalie against the hotter team and a divisional game

[johnny]

pete, any idea if that article is still up? link? i'd like to hear what he said.

[jules]

@Pete: I agree. I never had anything against Clemmer up until that point. That's why I always wonder about Clemmer's time playing for the Marlies and if he feels more appreciated with the Devils. Maybe the first time around wasn't so bad.

[bobo]

@johnny--
Clemmer said "I don't feel like I'm in the NHL" referring to playing backup to Marty.

Google that quote you'll get all the articles

[Pete]

Johnny, I will check, but it was in the print version of the magazine a few years ago so I'm not really sure if it was ever online. If I find it I will post the link.