Colorado (28-32-1) at New Jersey (38-19-3), 7:00 p.m. EST
NEWARK, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Martin Brodeur's long comeback
trail is likely to end.
After suffering a devastating injury four months ago, the
four-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender is expected to start
for the New Jersey Devils Thursday, when they host the Colorado
Avalanche.
Brodeur's return to the starting lineup seems imminent after the
Devils activated the three-time Stanley Cup winner from injured
reserve Wednesday.
The 36-year-old has been sidelined since November 1, when he
tore a distal biceps muscle in his left arm against the Atlanta
Thrashers.
To make room for the future Hall of Famer, New Jersey sent
goaltender Scott Clemmensen to Lowell, its affiliate in the
American Hockey League.
The Devils optioned Clemmensen even though he has exceeded
expectations in Brodeur's absence. He is 25-13-1 with a 2.39
goals-against average, helping them take control of the Atlantic
Division.
New Jersey, which is coming off a 4-0 loss to the New York
Islanders on Saturday, has a six-point lead over Philadelphia.
Colorado, meanwhile, has dropped two in a row following a
three-game winning streak.
The Avalanche are 4-for-38 on the power play in their last nine
games.