ABSTRACT:
PHILADELPHIA – They may be among the “little things” harped about by coaches, but for John Madden, faceoffs are crucial. They are keeping the Devils’ rookie in the very crowded lineup.
While they wait for the trade or demotion that must come soon, the Devils are awash in centers, and Madden is without seniority. But with Brendan Morrison knocked out of his season debut Friday in Raleigh, and veteran Sergei Nemchinov the surprising choice to sit, Madden made the most of dwindling chances.
For the second straight game, Robbie Ftorek went to the rookie for his late-game faceoffs against teams with extra attackers. And Madden produced. ….