While Martin Brodeur was attending to some personal matters after Thursday’s 3-1 Lightning win, backup netminder Kevin Weekes performed wonderfully in his place. His first win since last January was also the first win of the season for a Devils goalie not named Brodeur since 1994. Congratulations Kevin.

Inlouwetrust’s devils blogger John Fischer offered the insight into Kevin Weekes historical evening and a nice recap on the game as well.

In the 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, Weekes secured the win with 32 saves on 33 shots. His counterpart Tomas Vokoun only made 20 saves on the 24 shots he faced. Panthers may be worried that this signing is not going as planned. the title of the article, “Investment in Vokoun hasn't paid off yet,” speaks for itself. Please read the remainder of the piece, an interesting theory about losing Kevin Weekes, a former Panther goaltender.

In earning his first win of the season, Weekes definitely let rookie coach Brent Sutter know that he meant business and that he is here to stay. Weekes, who was signed away from the New York Rangers in the off season to a two year deal worth around $1.5 million, earned his stripes with a remarkable 20 for 21 saves in the first period alone.

Weekes was not the only star in the game. Teammate and veteran leader John Madden tallied two goals to lead the Devils, while five players accumulated assists on the four goals scored by three players.

Yahoo Sports has the game’s statistics including Madden’s two goals and Weekes’ line for the contest.

I am very proud of the Devils for overcoming a lackadaisical first period, allowing 21 shots on goal in the process. Apparently, Sutter was not very pleased with his team during the first intermission as a result of allowing this many shots.

"Sutter had seen almost nothing but nonsense in the first period. So, he let his new players know in no uncertain terms that Period 1 of Game 2 of the season was where it was going to stop."

The Devils seemed to heed their coach's words, as they turned on the jets in the second period scoring twice on as many power play opportunities. John Madden and defenseman Andy Greene reached the net, ending the second with the score at 3-1.

They finished 2 for 6 on the power play while only allowing 1 of 5 man advantages for the Panthers, who tied the game in the first period after Madden opened the scoring at the 1:02 mark.

Mike Mottau finished out the scoring, his first NHL goal, in the third period.

We can breathe a sigh of relief as Brodeur is Back for Ottawa, a Monday afternoon contest and the third of nine road games of the Devils season, before the Prudential Center opens later this month.

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