By John Vogl
NEWARK, N.J. -- David Clarkson has 74 fights in his NHL career, including one Saturday with Steve Ott in the opening minute of the game between the Devils and Sabres. So whenever he's around, there's a chance of scrapiness.
He said this morning the team isn't looking for it tonight against Buffalo despite a chippy loss to the Sabres a few days ago.
"There’s always that edge to the game," Clarkson said after skating in Prudential Center. "The way I play, there’s always teams that will feel that way. But I think this game’s too important for us to worry about those little things. We’ve got to come out and here and get back to playing our game."
The Devils are on an 0-5-1 slide and just 1-6-2 in the last nine games. Goaltender Johan Hedberg, who is filling in for injured Martin Brodeur, hasn't won since Feb. 10 (a span of seven games) and will get the start.
"I don’t think Moose has played bad at all," Clarkson said. "We’ve allowed three-on-twos and two-on-ones and plays that kind of leave him hanging, As a team, we’re going to do a better job and be there for him and give him a chance to win tonight."
The Devils are making two changes on defense, scratching Mark Fayne and Adam Larsson for Peter Harrold and Anton Volchenkov. Krystofer Barch, who has 44 penalty minutes in 18 games, also will sit.
To hear from New Jersey coach Peter DeBoer, click the audio file below.
