All the latest from the blue paint ...
A long time coming
A fun nugget from the New Jersey Devils PR staff: this is Scott Clemmensen’s first start with the team since Feb. 21, 2009.
If you want to make an easy joke about Cory Schneider playing a team-record 20 straight games, that stat’s a great place to start. Of course, the truth is that Clemmensen left New Jersey to be a backup with the Florida Panthers before signing with the team once again this past summer. On the rare evenings that the Devils have rested Schneider, they’ve tried to groom Keith Kinkaid as a future backup with some NHL reps.
The 37-year-old actually has made two appearances so far in relief duty for the Devils, however, and it’s probably unfair to beat him up too much for his numbers (four goals allowed on 17 shots in about 37 minutes of game time over two evenings).
On the bright side, Clemmensen at least offers something Kinkaid doesn’t: experience. He may have a tired New Jersey bunch in front of him, as they beat the Edmonton Oilers last night.
Clemmensen faces Karri Ramo and the Calgary Flames tonight.
Elsewhere ...
Blues at Senators: Brian Elliott vs. Robin Lehner
Canadiens at Bruins: Carey Price vs. (likely) Tuukka Rask
Red Wings at Maple Leafs: Jimmy Howard vs. Jonathan Bernier
Wild at Lightning: Darcy Kuemper vs. Ben Bishop
Penguins at Islanders: Thomas Greiss vs. Jaroslav Halak
Blue Jackets at Flyers: Nothing set yet, but probably Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Steve Mason
Sabres at Capitals: Jhonas Enroth vs. Braden Holtby
Panthers at Predators: Not confirmed, but lean toward Roberto Luongo vs. Pekka Rinne
Kings at Stars: Probably Jonathan Quick, almost definitely Kari Lehtonen
Hurricanes at Avalanche: Cam Ward (likely) vs. Reto Berra
Blackhawks at Oilers: Antti Raanta vs. Ben Scrivens
Coyotes at Sharks: Not certain, but expect Devan Dubnyk vs. Antti Niemi