Devils Look Forward to Elias' Return
Devs' all-time scoring leader close to coming back
by: Steve Cangialosi
The return of Patrik Eliasto the Devils' lineup in the coming week should have the impact oftrading for a six-million-dollar-a-year player a month into the season.That's what New Jersey's all-time scoring leader is. And if he plays atthe All-Star level he displayed last season, the Devils will be in good shape.
As Elias returns to the lineup, keep a close eye on Lemaire's linecombinations. There's a lot to like about a possible second line trioof Elias, Travis Zajac and David Clarkson. If Zubrus continues to center a top line with Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner – although that was not the case in Tampa Saturday – it leaves Brian Rolston out of the top six.
We all know that coaches can mix and match lines on a shift by shift basis, but if Rolston is expected to emerge as the 30-goal scorer Lemaire relied upon at Minnesota, it might help to develop chemistry with Elias.
Lemaire dropped hints that Elias will return as a winger, and then as he gains strength make the transition to center. That would be music to the ears of Rolston, whose best position is left wing, and whose 17 goals in 78 games since returning to New Jersey has been a disappointment.
Eight wins in 12 games with no contribution yet from Elias, who underwent groin surgery September 15, is certainly not a bad start for a Devils team that has shown a penchant for winning close games. Of their eight victories so far this season, five have come with a one-goal margin of victory, and three of those via shootout. Two others included empty-net goals that created a two-goal margin of victory. The only break from the "nail biter" theme was a 4-1 win at Pittsburgh on October 24.
If winning close games shows character, this team has it. Dainius Zubrus' game-winning goal in Boston Thursday marked the sixth time already this season that New Jersey has scored either a tying or game-winning goal in the third period.
Still, the next stretch of three games in four nights poses some interesting questions. The Devils host Washington Wednesday, entertain the Islanders Friday and visit Ottawa Saturday night. Martin Brodeur can easily start all three games, but I've got a hunch that Head Coach Jacques Lemaire will give Yann Danis a chance to face his ex-Islander teammates on Friday. Danis was outstanding in a 31-save performance against the Bruins, and since Brodeur loves playing in Canada anyway, why not split the back-to-back games that way?
Danis can start 15 games for New Jersey this season. And if Brodeur emerges as Canada's number one goaltender at the Olympics, that still gives Marty an approximate 70-72 game body of work prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Obviously, if Danis falters, that plan can change. But if Lemaire is not willing to give his second-string goalie a chance to contribute and strengthen his confidence now, when exactly is the right time?
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