PHILADELPHIA – Devils coach Brent Sutter and fan-voted starter Martin Brodeur officially bailed out on Sunday’s All-Star Game yesterday, and so the Atlantic Division leaders’ representative will be five-goal rookie David Clarkson.
After declaring Jan. 8 that players have a responisibility to play the All-Star Game, Martin Brodeur yesterday cited “family” reasons for skipping this weekend’s showcase in Atlanta. Sutter, who was to be an assistant coach, said he would head back for a weekend with his family in Alberta.
“I have some stuff going on with my family back home,” Brodeur said. “I want to make sure it’s taken care of.”
Brodeur said he decided a week ago to skip the game, but it was only revealed yesterday, when the NHL announced that Boston’s Tim Thomas will replace him.