The New Jersey Devils have a chance to advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Sunday night. They've won two of their last three without captain Jamie Langenbrunner, who has been out with a lower-body injury.Heading into Game 6 against Carolina Sunday, the Devils expect to have their captain back in the lineup. It's a huge boost to a team that has been involved in close game after close game so far in this series.
Langenbrunner is likely to move back on the Devils' top line. It's a group that has been effective in this series, but not as much as expected since Langenbrunner went down.
Not only that, but Langenbrunner wears the "C" for a reason, and his team has missed him.
"It's always good to get your captain back in your lineup," Devils coach Brent Sutter said. "He's been an important player for us. We've been able to find ways to prevail without him. Yet, it's always nice to have your captain back."Another concern for both teams heading into Sunday's game is the weather. Yes, RBC Center is still an indoor facility, but temperatures in Raleigh are expected to push into the 90s during the day, making it challenge to keep a sold-out building cool enough for good ice. Langenbrunner pointed out that this is a part of playoff hockey, and is commonplace. Not only that, but it impacts both teams.
Langenbrunner said he feels he's ready to play.
"I feel good," Langenbrunner said. "It was my third day skating, so it felt good to get back out there."
