Family reunion up next for Sutter; Zubrus chimes in; checking line is back

Devils coach Brent Sutter faced his brothers many times during his NHL playing career. On Tuesday, he'll experience something he's never been through before.

It will be the first time he will coach against his son, Brandon, a rookie center for the Carolina Hurricanes. Sutter isn't sure what to expect in that game.

“I’ve never been through it,” Sutter said after today's 4-3 overtime win over Ottawa. “I’ve coached him (in juniors with the Red Deer Rebels), but I’ve never coached against him. To be honest, I don’t know how I’m going to feel and I’m not sure I’m going to like it that much.”

 

Sutter went to Raliegh, N.C. to spend Christmas with Brandon, 19, but said they did not discuss Tuesday's game.

“The way I look at it, I’m excited for him,” Sutter said. “This is a dream of his and he’s living it and trying to fulfill it to the best of his capabilities. I happen to be his dad that’s going to be coaching against him. I don’t want him to worry about that at all. It’s just that his old man happens to be on the opposite side. He just needs to go out there and be a good player and play well to help his team and I’m going to do my job coaching to help ours.”

 

***

Saturday's day off from practice appeared to have the desired effect for Devils center Dainius Zubrus, who scored twice in today's win to snap an 11-game goal drought. Zubrus still won't discuss what was bothering him, but said he it is "getting better."

 

"Whatever I had did feel better," Zubrus said. "I don't know if I would have scored goals or not (without taking Saturday off). I can't answer that, but the treatments that I had and the day I spent with our trainer was good."

 

Left wing Patrik Elias, who assisted on both of Zubrus' goals, said the team needs him to contribute offensively.

 

"We need him to be involved and he was around the net where he's supposed to be and making plays, moving the puck quick and everything,," Elias said. He got rewarded."

 

***

Although it appeared Elias set up Zach Parise for an easy overtime winner 36 seconds into OT, Parise shanked the shot wide left. Elias said it was because the pass was not very good and not because Parise missed the shot.

 

"It was a little too high," he said of his pass. "I should have shot it."

 

***

No, we weren't imagining things. Sutter used John Madden's checking line for most of today's game against the Senators' power line of Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson. Most of the time it was Jay Pandolfo, Madden and Mike Rupp, but a few times Sutter put Elias in Rupp's place.

 

"Just a feeling," Sutter said of why he used Madden's line back in that old role. "I hadn't said those guys won't play against other team's top lines. I just said we're a four line team and that's what we are. I feel comfortable playing anybody against the other team's top line. Tonight, John's line was playing well and I thought they did a good job early in the game and I just left it that way."

 

***

Right wing David Clarkson on why he fought Chris Neil after his attempted hit on Andy Greene in the first period:

 

"I didn't see the hit. I just saw Greenie go down and him over the top of him, so I just went in there to stick up for Greenie and get ready to go. We both hit each other a couple of times and that was it."

 

Comments

[Jeff]

I think it be weirder for the players. Being the coaches son won't stop the players, but I bet they would feel weird if one of them layed out Sutter like Weight did.

[Jeff]

I think we need to send Zubie in for Maintenance more often if this is the result we get. Gotta Love Clarkie!

[Bobby]

Hey TG

Any word on when Doc comes back?

[Devilswede]

Clarkson is awesome! I just love how he finds a way to fire up the team every time they need a spark. He's always there to stick up for his teammates, no matter the size and reputation of the opponent.

[Dave]

Tom thanks for the fast quotes. Rolston is really starting to come together as a Devil again.

[B]

Thanks for the update!

Slight typo in the first line. "played/faced"....

[Tom Gulitti]

I was told today that Doc will probably miss Tuesday's game in Carolina as well.

[Puckster]

Now, Clarkson's fight with Neil makes sense. I didn't think he'd stick up for the Ottawa guy that was actually hit by Neil's missed check.

I agree with the comments that it'll be weirder for the players going up against Brandon Sutter. You don't want to be the guy that puts the coach's son on the Injury Reserve. I think they'll be fine though. Of course, they'll tell you that "it's just another game" and all the standard hockey cliches.

[Jeff]

Yeah it really would be intersting if someone levels Brandon. How will Sutter react to that?

[Josh]

There's a good chance that at some point, Holik will level Sutter.

[Robbie]

Haha true Josh. By the way, DiSalvatore got a hat trick tonight

[JerseyLove]

Oh no, I don't think I can handle anymore 'SHAAAAAT SCAAAAAAAAR', from Steve. I miss Doc.

[Josh]

To be honest, I think the Cangy-man has done a decent job filling in. Obviously he doesn't have the knowledge to go into a pleasant little side story the way Doc does, but in terms of calling the game I think he does a respectable job. I have no problem hearing SCAAAAR so long as we keep on "SCAAAAR"ing.

[DevilsCapsGal]

Does anyone know any more about Doc's health? I know they're saying laryngitis, but it seems to be an awful long time off for a simple case of laryngitis. I truly hope he gets better very soon as he is simply the best in the business, and a very nice man. Get well and come back to us soon, Doc!

[Matt]

I know Clemmensen worked on his glove saves the past day or two, but how about learning to close his legs? When is he going to work on that? I'm pretty sure he's given up more goals between his legs (especially in the last 8 games or so) than anywhere else. Maybe he should play the butterfly.

[crashlanding]

TG, I'm not so sure Sutter was double shifting Elias because he didn't think Rupp was capable or that he wanted more offense or anything like that. I only remember it happening once and Rupp was getting some assistance from the equipment manager. I'm glad Madden/Pandolfo were able to shut down the big three because they both appear to be having subpar seasons defensively. I guess Sutter decided to use a checking line today because the Sens really put all of their offensive eggs in that basket.

[RangersSuck]

TG, What kind of twisted world is it in the press box where Zubrus scores two goals and only gets the third star?

[Puckster]

Clarkson has been great for us. He's quietly on pace for at least 15 goals, 30pts this year. Not bad for the type of banger role he plays for us.

[thatgreypoupon]

cmon homie... first star's not gonna go to the guy who scores the gwg in OT? gtfo the ink stained wretches made the right call. zubes had a hell of a game tho. just wish hed be a bit more consistent.

[centralnj]

OMG. I don't think I can take another game with Steve's so-called play by play. He's horrible. He ruins the games for me. That new "Scaaaar"" he does is awful! Pleas come back soon, Doc!

[TG]

I don't vote for the stars and I can tell you that no one who actually covers road games does either. That said, I have no idea who does vote.

There were at least two shifts in which I noticed Elias with Madden and Pandolfo. One was late in the second period and another in the third. There could have been more, but those are the two I noticed.

[JJ]

Rupp seems to lose a little jump when he's out there too much. Maybe he used Patty on that line to keep him fresh. Whatever it was it worked. Now if we can just get some scoring from that line it would be great.

[Major Tom]

Steve does a fine job. Just remember how spoiled us Devils fans are having the best play-by-play man on the planet. What others teams fans would even care if their announcer was sick? Back to Steve, he's replacing a legend, temporarily. Not an easy thing to do. I would kill for the opportunity for you guys to bash me, as long as I got to call the game. :)

[Orrduya]

I'm glad they pulled through last night.
Just think, we would be number 1 in the division right now if the Flyers didn't have 8 points for losing in overtime. Things are looking good for the Devils.

[JJ]

KILL THE SHOOTOUT AND THE LOSER POINT!!!!!