After four weeks on the disabled list, speedy centerman Scott Gomez was back in the fold But thanks to Roman Chechmanek and the Red Wings, his return wasn't enough for the win.
Starting Felix Potvin in Brodeur's place, Devils GM was hoping to spark a rivalry between the two Jersey netminders. Not that Brodeur needs any extra inspiration. He is 7 and 3 on the season so far and with the exception of only one game, he has been fabulous.
Potvin didn't get the job done tonight but the Devils did not provide enough offense for him. After tearing up the league with the highest goals for, the team has cooled off recently and the goals are not coming as easily. They are however still getting a lot of shots on goal and that should pay off down the road.
Gomez didn't show any signs of rustiness. He had 4 shots on Chechmanek and was flying around the ice all night. Big d-man Pavel Kubina may have had his best game of the young season in the loss. 4 shots on goal and +2 on the night. He made one outstanding defensive play mid-way through the third that kept his team in it. Kubina was facing a three on one and blocked not one but two point blank shots and the Wings never managed to get the puck through to Potvin.
Discouraged by their 5th loss of the season, the Devils will be hungry tomorrow night when they play the surging Islanders. Winners of their past 3 games, Long Island will not be easy.
From the Swamp
Dick Rambone