Praise for Weekes

Kevin Weekes didn't have the easiest assignment tonight, coming into a game cold after Martin Brodeur was injured and did a pretty good job in his first game action of the regular season. He stopped 14 of the 15 shots he faced. Only Slava Kozlov beat him on a 2-on-1, with a shot that went in off Weekes' right skate to break up the Devils' combined shutout 6:30 into the third period.

"Marty played well before it happened and Weeksie came in and did a great job," Devils coach Brent Sutter said.

"Weeksie came in and played great tonight and that's the luxury we have of having two veteran goalies," Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner said. "He's a guy that's been a No. 1 in many situations and knows how to play. So, if it's something that's bad, we have a guy that can step in and play."

"(Brodeur) is a the best goalie in the league and you don't want to lose a guy like that and I don't know what his condition is," center Dainius Zubrus said. "But, saying that, Weeksie was a No. 1 goalie for a number of years, so he's a solid backup. He's definitely it."

Asked what he thought when he saw Brodeur was injured, Sutter said, "I turned around and told Weeksie, 'Go and get stretched.' I wasn't going to play net."

All joking aside, Sutter said he has confidence in Weekes if he has to hold down the fort in net for a while.

"Absolutely," Sutter said. "We all are accustomed to seeing Marty, but if Marty has to miss some time - I have no idea if that's the case - I'm comfortable with Weeksie. If I wasn't, that wouldn't be a good thing. i feel good with Weeksie. I mentioned that last year. I'm totally comfortable with Weeksie that he'll do a good job." 

All of these injuries are starting to pile up on the Devils. After going injury free in their first three games, they've had six guys go down in their last seven -- Brodeur, Langenbrunner (one game with bruised left knee). Brian Rolston (high right ankle sprain), Bobby Holik (broken right pinky), Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (cracked orbital bone) and Andy Greene (broken right hand).

"In 10 games, we've had six guys go down," Langenbrunner said. "We've had some freaky ones too. Unfortunately it's part of the game. It's nothing we can whine about."

***

One game after Greene set a career-high with three asists, Johnny Oduya tied his career high with three assists tonight. Zubrus had two assists (assuming the scoring on Nicklas Bergfors' goal isn't changed).

Jay Pandolfo scored his first goal of the season.

Comments

["Dr. D" David Schultz]

Marty is White Lightning and Weekes is Black Hammer

[GazzaG]

I tuned in late to see Weekes in goal and i was happy.
Was worried when i heard it was because Marty got injured, hopefully it is just a bruise.
I thought Weekes' had a solid game, and i am happy that the players all trust and have faith in his ability.
The injuries are getting a bit out of hand, but rather now than the end of the season/playoffs.

[jules]

Not to tempt the hockey gods, but does this mean that Oduya will be next?

And good for Weekes. He's really such a great team guy and so well-spoken, always nice to hear him interviewed. Sutter had some good lines. I wish we could have seen his press conference.

[cj225]

Can Marty get rid of that helmet now? It's a curse.

[Jcdevs]

I just read the comments about the devils fans doing the wave last night..funny..I agree.. the wave is whack, but I am glad that the devils had enough fans at the game to do the wave..lol

As long as marty's injury is not too serious (say he misses 3-4 games) and he can recover 100%, the injury may be good for the devils as it will keep Marty "fresher" for the playoffs. Assuming Weeks plays well, the coaches and team will have more confidence in Weeksie and hopefully he will be used more during the season.

[Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti)]

i was looking for cotton candy for my young cousin during the wave... glad i wasnt there because i would not have taken part... seriously devils fans.... the wave... for real? can't most of you met fans wait until april to start it at Citifield? it has no place at the rock!

Good for Weekes, as a fan i have no problem with him playing as many games as it takes for marty to get better.

And please, Fans, FOR THE LOVE OF PETE SUPPORT MIKE MOTTAU!!!!

[njteech]

I second the motion on NO wave. In the ol' CAA we'd stop in in tracks in sec. 201.....we came to watch a hockey game not excercise. Good time out by Sutter last nite and a great D game. Hope elbows heal fast!

[bobo]

The wave was started by the Devils new paid male cheerleader "Cameron". This is the guy who throws t shirts to the crowd and dances in the aisles with the women. He gets the fans going, much better that Bowman ever did but the wave has to end. Also please stop playing "every body clap your hands". I feel like the owner of the Cleveland Indians in the movie Major League when she says "I hate that F***en song!!"

[95-00-03]

Weekes did a great job last night and I say play him till Marty is 100%. Marty should have taken off at least 1 game already. Buffalo isn't going to be an easy W but I think Weekes will do fine. GO DEVILS!

[Jeff in Hoboken]

It's absolutely ridiculous that Marty needs to get hurt in order for Sutter to give Weekes a chance. Haven't we learned anything these past few playoff seasons? Marty runs out of gas when he's overplayed.

All we are saying is give Weekes a chance!

But seriously, it's incredibly frustrating watching Marty play night after night when Kevin sits quietly on the bench. Marty isn't 28 anymore, he needs rest. Weekes deserves to play at least 1-2 out of every 10.

[David B.]

The pathetic part is that Brodeur played more games at age 35 than at 25. We should be scaling back his games played not adding to it.

1997-1998: 70 games
2007-2008: 77 games

It needs to stop and it's too bad that an injury is the reason for it coming to an end.

[Jeff]

Oh God! I can't stand that Cameron guy I really wish he would go away. Bauman did a great job until the Devils cut him off when new management took over and he is still at the games as a fan I'm sure this Cameron would be gone in a second if the Deviuls weren't paying him.

[JoeDevs]

Cameron does a good job getting a lot of fans involved. A lot of the fans that just sit there half asleep in the lower level, at least they now are awake.

Monday's game vs Buffalo is important, I hope the boys play well in front of Weekes and give him some more goals. FYI the game is on Versus and TSN, so allof the USA and Canada can watch the game.

[roshacla]

Kind of funny how they are all "IF Marty is out, and I of course don't know his situation, BUT LETS JUST SAY.."

and BAM, he is out for the next game.

Good luck Weekes! Stay sharp.

[JoeDevs]

Flyers lose to Edmonton today, that is good news.

[Jack the Bear]

Marty's helmet IS the curse!!!! No sane person could disagree. It's the only explanation....... :)