Devils vs. Lightning
New Jersey -130 vs. Tampa Bay
It's a dark day for Devils fans who remember the many dark days before Martin Brodeur minded the net in New Jersey. Prior to his arrival, the Devils were a nonfactor in the NHL, since then they have been one of the best franchises in the sport. Since 1995, the Devils have won three Stanley Cups, which is second only to Detroit's four during the same time. Now New Jersey (6-3-2) will have to do without their star net minder who has won the Vezina Trophy four times and is now sidelined for the next three to four months because of elbow surgery.
This will mark the first extended amount of time Brodeur will miss in his career. He has been Mr. Durability missing only a few games per season. In addition to his stellar resume, Brodeur was off to a fast start this season. The goalie had a 2.16 goals against average with a .916 save percentage. Taking over the unenviable task of filling Brodeur's skates will be veteran Kevin Weekes. Weekes has been a journeyman and a backup for the New Jersey Devils since last season. Being a backup to Brodeur usually means little playing time and Weekes only played in five games in 2007-2008. Devils' fans did have a glimmer of hope in Monday night's game against Buffalo. New Jersey lost 2-0, but Weekes kept it close throughout by making 28 saves, including an incredible 19 in the first period. Weekes will get another chance tonight as the Devils welcome in the Lightning.
After a sluggish start, Tampa Bay (4-3-3) has come to life lately. The Lightning have won three straight to climb over .500 and to the middle of the pack in the Southeast Division. In the last time out, Tampa Bay scored a come from behind overtime win which was largely on the back of goalie Mike Smith who gallantly made 28 saves in regulation and overtime.
The Brodeur-led Devils took three out of four against the Lightning a year ago, including both games held in the Prudential Center.
