The Preposterous Dream even overshadows his iron man record, Ken Daneyko says. Mr. Devil jests that otherwise, he might knock Travis Zajac out of action before he equals Daneyko’s consecutive-game team record tonight.
“I thought about tripping him in the hallway. I can’t do that. He’s too important to keep the miracle going,” Daneyko said of Zajac matching his record of 388 straight games in a Devils uniform tonight when the Thrashers visit Newark.
“Ah, records are made to be broken, and he should be proud. I certainly was,” Daneyko said. “He’s been a model of consistency for this organization. I really admire him.
“If someone has to break it, it’s nice to see it broken by a quality person like Travis.”
Zajac stands to pass Daneyko on Thursday in Ottawa, playing every game since Oct. 26, 2006. Early this season, he passed Sergei Brylin at 328 for sole possession of second place.
Zajac was reminded that last season, Jamie Langenbrunner’s streak of 151 straight games was snapped when coach Jacques Lemaire decided to rest the annoyed captain one game for the playoffs, a move that seemed to have significant ramifications last season and this.
“I hope I’m not put in that position,” Zajac said. “Every player wants to play every game.”
Every game for two months now has been vital for the Devils, 22-3-2 in their last 27 games and 14-2 in their last 16. They can only drop eight points in their final 14 games and still reach the historic 88-point qualification minimum, which might not be enough.
The Sabres are on pace for 90.3 points, the Rangers for 89.0, and Hurricanes for 85.6, for two spots.
“This streak didn’t start that way,” Dainius Zubrus said. “Initially we were just trying to win some games. Then it turned into what it is now. Everyone’s into this race, but it’s still, ‘Let’s win some games.’ I don’t want to approach the game any differently, but it is a little different. It’s getting close.
“Before, every game coming up was big. Now, these games are pretty darn huge.”
The Devils will be trying to catch Atlanta for 11th place in the Eastern Conference tonight, with a game in hand, but it’s the Sabres and Rangers they’re chasing, each eight points ahead, with the Devils holding one and two games in hand, respectively.
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David Clarkson pleaded innocence in response to Islanders charges that he chirped at Isles coach Jack Capuano in Saturday’s 3-2 OT victory in Newark. “I was talking to the bench. Just the usually stuff, nothing crazy. I don’t say much personal,” Clarkson said.
The Devils beat the Thrashers 3-2 Friday on Zajac’s overtime goal, his second of the game. . . . Lemaire dismissed Capuano’s comments that the Devils received all the calls Friday . . Martin Brodeur is to make his eighth straight start (6-1). He is 14-2-1 in his last 17 decisions . . . The Devils play five of six on the road starting Thursday in Ottawa, and play host to the Capitals Friday.