Johan Hedberg skipped Friday's practice, but he should still be able to serve as the Devils' backup on Saturday. "It's nothing," Hedberg said. "It's just a day of break. There's been plenty of work, plenty of good practice days before. So, it's nothing special." We'll let you know if his status changes. Hedberg stopped 23 of 26 shots in regulation a 4-3 shootout loss Thursday.

Johan Hedberg allowed three goals on 26 shots in the Devils' 4-3 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues Thursday night. Hedberg had a fantastic season with the Devils in 2010-11 and has been a dependable NHL backup goaltender for the last few years now. With Martin Brodeur playing better lately, Hedberg should see less ice time the rest of the way.

Coach Pete DeBoer said a decision on who will start in goal on Thursday night will be made after he speaks with Martin Brodeur in the morning, but Johan Hedberg is ready to go if necessary. "I expected something," said Hedberg, who prematurely said he would be playing against St. Louis after Wednesday's practice. "Marty looked like he had some discomfort in the game and I'm not sure if he's good to go or not, but I'm prepared to play. That's all I really know."

Johan Hedberg said after practice on Wednesday that he would start on Thursday versus the St. Louis Blues, but coach Pete DeBoer wasn't as forthcoming. The New Jersey bench boss said that a decision on that matter hasn't been made yet after Martin Brodeur twisted his ankle in Tuesday's shutout win over the Rangers. DeBoer feels confident that Brodeur's ailment won't keep him out of the lineup even if he doesn't start. "I'm not concerned", he said even though Brodeur was given Wednesday's practice off to rest. "He had a lot of work last night. He had a pretty taxing game. I don't foresee his injury keeping him out."

Johan Hedberg stopped 37 of 41 shots in a 6-4 win Saturday afternoon. Hedberg was perfect through 40 minutes, but the Devils fell apart in the third period and were outshot 24-1. Fortunately, New Jersey had already scored six goals by that point, so Hedberg still ended up with his 13th win of the season.

Johan Hedberg, who will start Saturday, isn't worried about being rusty despite being benched for the last three and a half weeks. "It doesn't feel any different than it usually does if I've been off for a week," Hedberg said. "I don't know how many weeks it has been now. I'll just go and do what I'm supposed to do." Hedberg has done a great job in the backup role, but the Devils decided to lean heavily on Martin Brodeur in January and they might continue to do so until the end of the season.

Johan Hedberg will play between the pipes on Saturday. Hedberg hasn't gotten any ice time since January 11th. He has a 2.45 GAA and .909 save percentage in 21 games this season.

Goaltender Johan Hedberg turned aside 22 shots and turned in a formidable appearance in the New Jersey Devils' 2-1 overtime victory over the Oilers in Edmonton Wednesday night. Hedberg, backup to future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, is now 12-7-1 on the season.

Johan Hedberg will get the nod for New Jersey in Edmonton on Wednesday night. Hedberg was burned for four goals on nine shots in a relief appearance of Martin Brodeur during Tuesday's 6-3 loss to Calgary. The initial plan was for him to start this game, but after Brodeur was lifted so early it wouldn't have been surprising if he got the opportunity to play again. However, that won't be the case and you should adjust your lineups accordingly.

Johan Hedberg stopped 22 of 24 shots in a 5-2 win Friday. Hedberg allowed a goal in each of the first and second periods. He has now won four of his last five starts, giving him a 11-8-1 record this season.