The timing is tight with no room for another setback, but Devils defenseman Paul Martin said he believes he can return from his broken arm in time to play for Team USA in the Olympics.
“I’m optimistic. I have faith,” Martin told The Post yesterday. “I know it’s not going to be easy.
“All I ask is a chance. Just let me try.”
When the Maple Leafs — and Leafs and Team USA coach Ron Wilson — visit the Devils tonight, Martin will miss his 44th consecutive game after breaking his left fibula on Oct. 24 in Pittsburgh.
Six weeks ago, Martin thought he was close to returning. When an exam showed his bone had not knit properly, surgery put him back to square one.
“It’s felt better this time than it did last time after six weeks. Hopefully, next week I’ll be skating,” Martin said. “I’ve been working out the last couple of weeks.”
The moment of truth comes early next week.
“I’ll see the doctor Monday or Tuesday,” Martin said. “That will be six weeks from the surgery.
“The plan was to have the cast off then. That gives me two weeks until they drop the puck in Vancouver. It will be a race to get my hand and arm in shape.”
Martin said he has been doing off-ice exercises.
“I’ve been working out for the last couple of weeks, biking and squats and lunges and leg stuff,” Martin said.
Martin said he isn’t sure if he will be cleared to skate at his appointment next week. He said he would like to play a game or two for New Jersey before the Olympics, but doesn’t know if he will be able to be ready in time.
“That will be the tougher part, if they let me play a game without many days skating, but I’d like to,” he said. “That would be the ideal plan. And the U.S. team will want to see.”
The Devils regained the services of Dainius Zubrus the last two games, after he missed 29. David Clarkson remains out with the broken leg he aggravated on Dec. 30. He’s sitting out his 14th straight after playing two games following a 13-game absence. Patrik Elias remains sidelined because of a concussion.
Lou Lamoriello said Clarkson is close to skating, and Elias is working out lightly off ice.
Though Martin wishes the Olympic break was further way, Jacques Lemaire can’t wait for the respite. Martin said the Devils are trying to keep their heads above water while the wait for those key players to return.
“That’s what I’m thinking. Exactly what I’m thinking,” Lemaire said. “Just hold it, try to get some wins, and then get the guys back and then play better.
“But our game’s fine. Any team will take the game we played [Wednesday] night [2-1 shootout loss in Buffalo],” he added. “In Ottawa [a 3-0 loss on Tuesday], for some reason we didn’t skate as we needed to. But when we’re skating, we’re playing good hockey.”
That means the Devils have lowered their sights, 2-5-1 in their last eight. But that’s the effect of injuries finally catching up to them.
⇒ The Devils assigned recently waived right wing Ilkka Pikkarainen to CSKA Moscow of the Russian Kontintenal league. Lamoriello said he will be eligible for recall without re-entry waivers after the March 3 trade deadline. . . . The Devils play three of their next four against the Leafs. . . . Zach Parise was given the day off from practice, but is expected to play tonight.