DETROIT -- When the Devils' coaching staff was formulating the goalie rotation for the final few games of the regular season, Martin Brodeur wanted to play in Joe Louis Arena.
It had nothing to do with his 1-7-0 career regular-season record in Detroit. After all, he was 2-0 in the Stanley Cup playoffs, when it really counts.
"Just before the playoffs I wanted to (play) on the road. I know I'm going to start on the road, so I wanted to get some road atmosphere before it starts," Brodeur explained. "Knowing what was probably going to be at stake for them and that they're a good team, I wanted to test myself a little bit."
Coach Pete DeBoer said: "He's in so many other buildings and won so many games. I know he wanted this game. I can tell you that. When we sat down and mapped out the schedule he wanted to come in here and play. I think that shows you his character. He wasn't ducking away from a tough game or a tough building. I think that speaks to what he is about."
Brodeur has now won 30 or more games 14 times.
"It's a good place to get it, a tough place to win hockey games," Brodeur said. "Thirty wins is always somewhat of a milestone you set for yourself when the season starts. We haven't played really well against these guys, especially in this building since we beat them in the Stanley Cup (in 1995). So we're concious about it."
The Devils ended a nine-game losing streak in Detroit. Their last win was on Nov. 6, 1996. The 2-0 shutout was Brodeur's only other regular season win in Joe Louis Arena.
"It's a tough building. They're a desperate team. The points are important to them," DeBoer said. "For us to come in here and get a win, I really liked our first and third periods. They pushed back in the second and Marty was very good. He gave us a chance to do what we did in the third."
DeBoer on Brodeur's 30th win: "I think it's a great accomplishment. He's had a great second half of the year here for us. He's really grabbed the team and led us here."
DeBoer said he wasn't concerned about being locked into sixth place after the Flyers beat the Sabres earlier in the night.
"I told you guys we're trying to win as many games as we can until the end of the season. I'm not really scoreboard watching," DeBoer said. "Obviously I'm interested in who we're going to end up playing, but we're trying to put as many points on the board and win as many games as we can. And see who we get."
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Right winger David Clarkson, who missed one game with a lower body injury, said he felt okay.
"Not bad. I felt alright," he said.
"It was a big win for us. Marty played unbelievable again. That's a good team over there."
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How important is it that the Devils are playing well heading into the playoffs?
They have now won five in a row.
"I've talked to Lou (Lamoriello) about this," DeBoer said. "He's had teams playing well going into the playoffs, playing poorly going into the playoffs. It doesn't necessarily translate. We just have to make sure we play one more good game against Ottawa, have some good practices and preparation and be ready to go Wednesday or Thursday."
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