This season is turning into a devil of an adventure for returning coach Jacques Lemaire as he is now missing 2 of his top 3 players in Paul Martin and Patrik Elias. Martin had his left forearm broken when he was hit by a shot from Pittsburgh winger (and ex-Devil) Bill Guerin in the Devils impressive 4-1 win against the defending Stanley Cup champions this past Saturday night. In the same game, rejuvenated Devil veteran checking winger Jay Pandolfo was smashed into the boards from behind by Pittsburgh 4th liner (and ex-Devil) Mike Rupp. The illegal hit resulted in Pandolfo separating/dislocating his shoulder. Both are out 4-6 weeks. Ironies abound when one thinks of the damage the ex-Devils accomplished in one game. And I didn't think I could dislike Bill Guerin anymore than I already do.
Patrik Elias has been out from the start of the season with hip/groin complications and his 4-6 week expected return time has already passed. There are some rumblings that Elias may start practice next week, but I'll believe that when I see it. This Elias injury situation is starting to feel like the season when Scott Stevens' mysterious flu-like ilness turned into a career ending concussion. I pray not since no Elias means no playoffs.
Martin is the team leader in TOI (Time On Ice) for Devils' defenseman and is clearly their best defender. With all deference to Zach Parise, Elias is their most gifted and important forward. His scoring and leadership are missed and Devil line combinations are scrambled without him.
The 13 year Devil veteran, Jay Pandolfo, was playing as well as ever leading the Devils on the penalty kill and in his important role as a defensive forward matching up against the other teams best players.
So with a scary-bad loss to Buffalo last night at The Rock, 4-1, where the Devils seemly looked lost without Martin on defense and were definitely a step slow, Coach Lemaire has his work cut out for him. Tonight the Devils face a powerful Bruins team in Boston and Lemaire has rightly decided to rest Martin Brodeur. New Devil goaltender Yann Danis will get his first start as a Devil. The Devils are a historical team best 5-0 start on the road this year. Lemaire will have to work some magic tonight with his backup goalie and an inexperienced defender in Mark Fraser in the lineup to continue the road unbeaten streak.
If some young players (forwards and defenders) don't step up and if Lemaire can't juggle those lines around into some goals, November might turn into a devil of a month. However, I'm betting on Jacques. If anyone can get a team to win under these circumstances, it is Mr. Lemaire.
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