Devils backup Johan Hedberg will start tonight when struggling New Jersey visits Washington, reports Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record.
Hedberg hasn’t played since Feb. 9, but after Martin Brodeur made his ninth straight start last night in Boston, the 38-year-old gets the nod.
“This has been a long layoff, but it is what it is,” Hedberg said. “I’ve been in this situation before, so I just try to stay on top of things in practice and keep the mental edge as much as you can. But, obviously, it’s always different when you come into a game. You kind of get that extra mental kick.”
Hedberg played well early in the season, but hasn’t posted the best numbers since. He’ll have his work cut out against the Capitals, winners of three straight and looking to leapfrog Winnipeg for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.