In their final 12 regular-season games last year, plus their five playoff games, the Devils won exactly once in regulation. They’ve started this final dozen 1-3, and they’re desperate to keep this special season from spiraling into another crash and burn.
This long weekend could be pivotal in either dispelling or reinforcing those concerns, starting tonight in Chicago, followed by games tomorrow against Carolina in Newark and against the Rangers Monday at the Garden.
“We just have to get back to playing like we’re capable of playing,” coach Brent Sutter said. “Using our smarts and intelligence.
“Playing with that fire that we’ve had. When we do that, it’s funny, because our specialty teams will be better because of that, too,” Sutter said. “That’s why we’ve used the last two days the way we have.”
Sutter gave the Devils off from practice Tuesday and Wednesday despite the consecutive losses they’d suffered for the first time in 10 weeks. The season is dragging, and their emotional tank may have drained after Martin Brodeur’s comeback and record chase and Patrik Elias’ team scoring record. During their hiatus, they clinched their 12th straight playoff berth, and Sutter claimed he could see his team’s rejuvenation.
“Yeah, it’s got to translate into the game, I know. But you could tell just in the practice today there’s a different attitude than we’ve had the last week. It’s an attitude of being refreshed and ready to get going here again,” Sutter said.
Brodeur suggested that the Devils let up on the pedal.
“Hopefully we’ve learned from coasting a little bit the last few games,” said Brodeur, 9-3 in his comeback, with an NHL-record 553 victories. “Bad habits are hard to break, but easy to get.
“It’s going to be how you finish. It’s not necessary to win every game, but you have to play well. And then the results will be there.”
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With Elias expected to return after missing a game with a leg muscle strain, Sutter put Dainius Zubrus back between Elias and Brian Gionta after trying Brian Rolston there for six games.
DEVILS
at
B’HAWKS
Tonight: 8:30
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WWBR (1130)