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Islanders-Devils Preview

Nov 28, 2009 - 12:25 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

New York (9-9-7) at New Jersey (15-6-1), 1:00 p.m. EDT

Martin Brodeur has claimed ownership to another NHL record, but he's still trying to gain a share of the mark for most career shutouts. A meeting with the New York Islanders might help him accomplish that feat.

Brodeur should be in net Saturday afternoon when the Devils host the Atlantic Division rival Islanders, the team the future Hall of Famer has shut out the most.

Brodeur, 37, became the NHL's all-time leader in minutes played Friday while making 32 saves in a 2-1 shootout win at Boston. He's played 60,280 minutes, passing Patrick Roy's mark of 60,235.

"I totally forgot about it until they put it on the scoreboard. I knew it coming into the game, a lot of people brought it to my attention," said Brodeur, who extended his all-time wins record with No. 571. "They (records) are nice. Now, this one's over and we'll move on and try and get another one somehow."

Brodeur is trying to match Terry Sawchuk's record of 103 shutouts after climbing within one with a 2-0 win over Carolina on Oct. 17. The four-time Vezina Trophy winner has 10 shutouts against the Islanders, his highest total versus any club.

"It's been nothing short of spectacular for a while," right wing Jamie Langenbrunner told the Devils' official Web site. "He's been a heck of a player for us for a long time."

Brodeur is 14-6-1 and ranks among the league leaders with a 2.10 goals-against average.

If New Jersey opts to rest Brodeur, Yann Danis would get his first start since last Saturday, when he was pulled after the first period for allowing three goals on nine shots in a 5-3 loss at Dallas.

Danis, 2-0-0 with a 2.14 GAA in three starts, made 23 saves in a 2-1 win over New York at the Prudential Center on Nov. 6. He went 10-17-3 with a 2.86 GAA while playing for the Islanders last season.

New Jersey may be without right wing David Clarkson, who took a shot off his ankle Friday and left the game after playing 57 seconds. The Devils are already missing defensemen Paul Martin (broken arm) and Johnny Oduya (lower-body injury).

Clarkson has seven goals and eight assists, notching one against the Islanders earlier this month.

"I think it doesn't look good," coach Jacques Lemaire said. "We'll have news (Saturday), but it doesn't look good."

New York (10-9-7) is looking to build on Friday's 3-2 win over Pittsburgh, as Sean Bergenheim and John Tavares scored in the third period to erase a one-goal deficit.

"It's nice to contribute when it matters most but overall it was a great team effort," said Tavares, who scored his first career winner. "It starts from everyone and to cash in there was a bonus."

Tavares' goal snapped a personal four-game drought during which he managed one assist. He had four goals and four assists during a five-game point streak prior to that stretch.

The 19-year-old center, who leads all rookies with 10 goals and 21 points, was limited to one shot in the last matchup at New Jersey.

A comeback for New York on Saturday might be tough, as the Devils have won all 10 times they've entered the third period with a lead.