All star Devil's Goalie Brodeur out 3-4 months after elbow surgery

Certain Hall of Famer and defending Vezina Trophy winner Martin Brodeur will miss 3 to 4 months of action following elbow surgery.  Brodeur’s injury was initially diagnosed as a bruised elbow before an MRI revealed the full extent of the damage.  Brodeur’s left bicep was torn away from the elbow joint in a freak accident during a game last weekend.

Brodeur was trying to make a routine glove save on an errant shot during last Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Thrashers when, according to the goalie, he extended his arm too quickly and heard a “pop” in his elbow.  He remained in the game for another minute before being replaced by Kevin Weeks, who will assume the starting goaltending duties in Brodeur’s absence.

The surgery was performed Thursday morning in New York City by hand and arm surgery specialist Dr. Steven Beldner, assisted by Devils team orthopedist Dr. Barry Fisher.  Brodeur visited several specialists and considered non-surgical options before he and the team agreed that this route was the way to go.  Brodeur’s arm will be in a cast for two months, at which point he’ll be able to move his elbow again and begin his rehabilitation.

The good news for the Devils is that backup Kevin Weekes is a solid and experienced #2 with a career goals against average of 2.89 in 335 games over ten seasons.  Brodeur displayed the confident grace that only a certain Hall of Famer can afford to in the competitive world of professional sports as he emphasized the great opportunity that Weekes will have in his absence:

"I think it's a great opportunity for him to go out and prove himself to be the top goalie. He is going to play in front of a great team like I did for a lot of years and, hopefully, he will do well for us and hold the fort until I come back."

Weekes has played well in two starts since Brodeur’s injury with a 1-1 record.  The Devils are 6 points behind the red hot New York Rangers in the NHL Atlantic Division with a tough test against the Red Wings in Detroit upcoming on Saturday night.