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Brodeur, Parise focus on Florida series, not future

Zach Parise, Derek Stepan, Martin Brodeur

New Jersey Devils’ Zach Parise (9) drives the puck away from New York Rangers’ Derek Stepan (21) as Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) watches during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in New York. The Devils won 1-0. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

AP

With an extra day in between Games 5 and 6, one couldn’t totally fault Martin Brodeur and Zach Parise if they started pondering their future beyond the 2012 playoffs. After all, a first round loss to the Florida Panthers might just increase the chances of one or both cornerstone players turning the page on their days with the New Jersey Devils. Tom Gulitti reports that both are focused on the more immediate future instead.

First, let’s start with Brodeur, whose playing future is as much in question as his days in a Devils uniform.

“Career-wise, I don’t feel it’s going to be the last of it, but I think opportunity-wise, you never know,” Brodeur said. “Regardless of what the future will bring me, that’s irrelevant for me right now.”

While Brodeur is aware this might be one of his last chances - if not the last chance - Parise has more control of his situation. At 27 years old, he’ll get to experience the sensation of being courted in the unrestricted free agent market - if he chooses. Yet like Brodeur, Parise isn’t elaborating much on those thoughts.

“It’s blocked out,” Parise said. “I don’t think about it. I don’t really want to talk about it.”

Perhaps both prominent players are just providing lip service, but the Devils really could face a golden opportunity for a deep run. Favorites are dropping like flies, so if they can win the next two games, anything can happen.