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Brodeur returns to Devils practice

Martin Brodeur

FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2010, file photo, New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur looks on during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo, N.Y. Brodeur has a sprained right knee and his status has been listed as day to day. The Devils said Tuesday. Feb. 8, 2011, that his injury will not require surgery. The 38-year-old Brodeur was hurt on Sunday when something “popped” in his knee in the first period of a 4-1 win over the Canadiens in Montreal. (AP Photo/David Duprey, File)

AP

There was a sight for sore eyes at Devils practice on Monday as Martin Brodeur returned to the ice, taking a full compliment of shots without restraint.

The 40-year-old netminder has been out of action since Feb. 21 with a back issue and hasn’t practiced with teammates since a morning skate on Feb. 24.

He’s missed New Jersey’s last 12 games as a result -- a stretch that coincided with the Devils going 3-7-2 (after starting the year 10-3-4).

Given this is just Brodeur’s first practice in nearly three weeks, it’s unlikely he’ll get the call on Tuesday when the Devils take on the Rangers at the Prudential Center.

It’s likely the starting duties will once again fall to Johan Hedberg, who has been steady as of late, allowing two goals or fewer in his last four starts.

This means Brodeur could be back in goal on Thursday when the Devs travel to Carolina to take on the Hurricanes.

Brodeur is 8-2-3 this year with a 2.27 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and one shutout.