NEW JERSEY VS. PITTSBURGH COLORADO VS. ST. LOUIS

Tuesday, May 15 Niedermayer's fill-in has 'done a perfect job' Associated Press Sutton EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Since replacing Scott Niedermayer in the New Jersey Devils lineup, every game has been somewhat of a Game 7 for veteran defenseman Ken Sutton. The defending champion Devils were on the brink of playoff elimination in two of his three playoff games. In others, Niedermayer's status was uncertain because of his concussion, which meant Sutton's playing status hung in the balance. If one played, the other didn't. Heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night at the Continental Airlines, Sutton faces another uncertain night. Niedermayer, who has not played since being knocked out by a Tie Domi elbow on May 3, said he felt fine after practicing on Monday. "I haven't been told I'm playing," Niedermayer said. "I feel good, so I'm optimistic I'll be playing." While that's a positive note in a game in which the Devils will try to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, there was also a sense of sadness in the locker room for the 31-year-old Sutton, who had not seen playoff action since 1996 with St. Louis. "All we could ask of him was to be steady, and that's what he did," veteran defenseman Ken Daneyko said. Sutton was that, and more. Not only did he avoid the big mistakes, he also was a plus-3 in four games. "He's playing as good as I have ever seen him play," said Niedermayer, who was close to playing in both Game 7 of the Toronto series and Game 1 against the Penguins. He was scratched just hours before the opener because of post-concussion headaches. "I don't remember him making a real big mistake out there. He's done a perfect job," said Niedermayer, who has gone two days without a headache. "He's been unbelievable," goalie Martin Brodeur added. It's very different from a year ago when Sutton didn't get a chance to compete in the playoffs. He was there for every practice, but he never got the opportunity to dress for a game. So while he got a championship ring and had his name etched on the Stanley Cup, there was a little hollow feeling. "It's been unbelievable," Sutton said of the last four games. "It's the best experience I've had in hockey. We won the Cup last year, but I didn't play. But playing, and proving you can play at this level and this time of year has been great. It's gratifying." If there has been a key to Sutton's success, it's been not trying to do too much. He's just played a solid positional game, unlike Niedermayer, who can skate end to end with the best in the league. "They didn't expect me to go in there to do the things he does, and neither did I," Sutton said. "There was no pressure on me to do what he does." While Niedermayer appears very close to playing, Sutton said the biggest mistake he could make would be to assume that Niedermayer is returning. "I have to look at it like I'm going to play," Sutton said. "If you prepare not to play, and all of a sudden he can't go, then you are not prepared." While all signs pointed to Niedermayer's return, there was one puzzling thing at the practice. Sutton skated with starting defenseman Colin White, while Niedermayer worked with minor leaguer Mike Commodore. A possible return by Niedermayer didn't thrill the Penguins, who worked out for 40 minutes in Pittsburgh before flying to New Jersey late Monday afternoon. "Yeah, that's great news," Jaromir Jagr said sarcastically. "Couldn't be any better news." Mario Lemieux said the Penguins have to skate better on Tuesday and get more shots at Brodeur than they did in Game 1. Being tired won't be an excuse this time. "We had a good session today," Lemieux said. "The guys were upbeat and well rested. In the playoff you have to forget about the last game and learn from the mistakes." If the Penguins don't, then they will be in big trouble heading home for Game 3 on Thursday. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

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