ATLANTA – The shock doesn’t end after being traded to the Devils.
For Jan Hrdina, joining the Lou Crew meant more than just new teammates, coaches, locale and uniform. The sixth-year NHLer is dealing with being wanted, then used only sporadically.
“These were the first times I’ve been scratched in my hockey life. I’m not used to it,” the 28-year- center said, having sat out two of three games before facing the Thrashers here last night.
“Obviously, I’m not happy about it. I have to play better. That’s all I can do, I guess,” Hrdina said.
Lou Lamoriello acquired Hrdina March 5 from Phoenix for 2003 Cup-winning goal-scorer Mike Rupp and a second-rounder. It was a hefty price to pay to address the Devils’ lack of a righty centerman. They had already received Viktor Kozlov, concussion and all, four days earlier to help in the righty center department.
Now Hrdina seems to have to earn a lineup spot. “It’s their way of doing things. But a lot of teams do that,” Hrdina said.
Hrdina sat out New Jersey’s loss in Montreal Saturday and Thursday’s loss in Tampa, notching one assist between those games in the Devils’ OT victory against Florida Tuesday.
The Devils were trying last night to finish .500 on their last road trip of the season, having only next Saturday’s visit to Boston remaining on their road slate.
They’d been improving their record lately by beating lowly teams, and looking mediocre by generally losing to better foes. Their 2-1 loss in Tampa was such a case, leaving them 0-6-1-1 overall in their last eight against berth-holders.
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Scott Clemmensen was to face the Thrashers last night . . . Devils play host to Islanders tomorrow at 5 p.m., entertain the Rangers Tuesday, then complete their slate with a pair against the Bruins.