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DeBoer says replacing Sykora with Josefson was “tough to shake things up”

Jacob Josefson

New Jersey Devils’ Jacob Josefson, of Sweden, celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

AP

Devils coach Peter DeBoer confirmed this morning what we heard yesterday, young forward Jacob Josefson will get his first start in the playoffs taking the place of veteran Petr Sykora. The Devils are making it clear it’s not a panic move and DeBoer told reporters this morning it was a tough decision to make since the team is playing well.

“Yeah, it was tough to shake things up in that I felt we played a solid game,” DeBoer said. “We still - we didn’t score. So that made it easier.

“What pushed me in this direction is just the availability of another very good player in Josefson. He hadn’t been available up until this point. So he’s available. You throw him in the mix, and, yeah, it’s tough decisions when you’re sitting out Sykora who has played well for us this year and scored some goals.”

Josefson has been out since early April thanks to a broken wrist and Sykora has struggled terribly against the Rangers. Getting new blood in there never hurts, but with the Devils down 2-1 in the series any move will be put under the microscope. DeBoer hopes Josefson can help make him and the rest of the team look good after tonight.