Marty left the game with what is called a bruised elbow.
Nice to see Weeks in there and the team as a whole responding.
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The Devils, who lost three straight, will face the Thrashers - a team whos star, Kovalchuk, looks like he does not want to be there.
"We've just gotten away from our game," said coach Sutter "We've gotten away from the identity of our team, and it's showing. It's showing in our play ... in our shots against. It's showing in our quality shots. It's showing in a lot of things. (But) it's certainly correctable."
Is this a product of losing Rolston and to a certain degree Holik? Im not sure.
The Devils success against Atlanta, an NHL bottom dweller, can be the remedy to get the team on a positive track.
Current players on the shelf are; Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (orbital bone crack), Brian Rolston (high ankle sprain), Bobby Holik (broken right pinkie) and Andy Greene (broken right hand).
I think my biggest disappointment is losing Greene. Greene has fought back and has been in a groove, and perhaps best game, until this injury. 4-6 weeks is a long time for Greene who at one point was a huge hope and other times a disappointment. If he comes back and within a few games regains his confidence and the same level of play, Greene could be a big addition to our blue line.
He could also be a chip at the deadline that could net us a few things;
1- A top 4 Dman, could even be an upcoming UFA "if" Salmela can play like a #6 dman this year.
2- Could net us, in a package, some fire-power up front if the team struggles in the offensive and scoring dept.
Jamie Langenbrunner will be in the lineup, Brookbank will fill in for Greene who was playing well since being in the lineup. Coach Sutter will take a look at rookie Bergfors, as he did Halischuk last game. This is the time Bergfors needs to step up and show he is capable of sticking in the NHL. He will play on the fourth line.
Ironically last game versus the Leafs was the Devils highest scoring so far this season but sloppy defensive play cost them the game. Perhaps a reality check is what they need.
Meanwhile one time Devil Brendan Shanahan remains unsigned and has stated he will no longer wait to see if a spot opens in NY. I wish we had the room to fit Shanny in the Devils lineup. He could have added some leadership in our dressing room and I would have loved to see him play with several line combos. Good luck to Shanny.
Question for you all; Who is the Devils best player so far early this season? Brodeur or Parise? I have been wrestling with this but am leaning towards Z-Man!
Lets go Devils!
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
This day in hockey history...1945 - Gordie Howe (at age 16) signed his first professional hockey contract, with the Omaha Knights of the United States Hockey League.
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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