Martin Brodeur does not think he will be back for the Devils’ crucial three-game stretch this week.
The Devils goalie told NJ.com that he is unlikely return when the team plays twice against the Hurricanes and once against the Rangers, two of the teams the Devils are trying to chase down in the Eastern Conference.
“I doubt it. Not this week,” Brodeur told the website. “Unless I’m able to get back on the ice, then maybe the weekend game (in Carolina) could be an option. But right now I’m not even looking at that.”
The Devils have surged to within 12 points of the Hurricanes, who are tied with the Thrashers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Devils were once as far back as 27 points. The Rangers are the seventh seed.
Brodeur confirmed that the injury he suffered in a Feb. 6 win at Montreal was an MCL sprain.
Johan Hedberg has replaced Brodeur and won three straight games. He will likely be in nets when the Devils face the Hurricanes on Wednesday, Rangers on Friday, and Hurricanes again on Saturday.
“I think if I wasn’t a goalie it’d be different to be able to get back and do different things,” Brodeur said. “But the positions that I have to put myself in, right now it doesn’t feel quite right enough to try it. I don’t want to come back and hurt it again.
“I’ve been working hard and rehabbing, keeping strength in my legs. I don’t think it’s going to be super long.”