After emotional few days, Devils set focus on Canadiens

It has been an emotional roller coaster for the Devils in the past 48-96 hours. On Saturday morning, Patrik Elias Welcomed a baby daughter named Sophia Gabriella. Following that, the Devils defeated the Flyers in the shootout. Yesterday the entire Devils organization attended the funeral for former coach Pat Burns in Montreal. In fact, most of the hockey world was at the funeral along with obviously his family. The NHL hierarchy was there with Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. Also on hand were Leafs GM Brian Burke, former Devils, Canadiens and current Bruins coach Claude Julien, former Habs coach Jacques Demers, former NHLers Luc Robitaille, Ray Bourque, Guy Carbonneau, Kirk Muller, Patrik Roy and current Habs and former Devils Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez. Scotty Bowman was there as well along with most of the Habs organization like owner Geoff Molson and Bob Gainey and Pierre Gauthier.

Now, the Devils must focus on continuing their turnaround this season, which they hoped started last week in which they went 3-1. The Devils face the Montreal Canadiens at Prudential Center on Thursday and then a rematch against the Flyers in Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon, so it is another two crucial games for the Devils. Next week, the Devils go to Pittsburgh on Monday and then a back to back in Ottawa next Friday and return home against Detroit on Saturday. So, it will be tough going for them.

Jamie Langenbrunner and Matt Corrente all practiced today with the Devils and both hope to play Thursday. Martin Brodeur (elbow), Jason Arnott (flu) and David Clarkson (Personal) did not practice. Brodeur will not play this week and its very likely he will return next Friday in Ottawa at the earliest.

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The Washington Capitals today acquired defenseman Scott Hannan from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for center Tomas Fleischman. It is a good trade for the Capitals, who need some veteran experience on defense. Fleischman was a healthy scratch a few times this year, but his skill should help the Avalanche in some ways.