Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur will return for Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers and will serve as the backup to Johan Hedberg.
Brodeur was scratched from a scheduled start against Winnipeg on Feb. 24 after experiencing back soreness and was placed on injured reserve soon after. He has missed 12 games since his last start Feb. 21 against Washington.
The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer began skating on his own a week ago and was back at practice for the first time on Monday. He was also part of the morning skate prior to Tuesday's game.
"I'm getting better and better everyday," said Brodeur on Tuesday. "I want to practice a little more before I get a start and I feel 100 percent now. I'm ready to back (Hedberg) up."
Brodeur owns a record of 8-2-3 with a 2.27 goals-against average and one shutout in 13 games this season. He could return to the net for Thursday's game at Carolina or Saturday's home game against Florida.
Hedberg has started each game in Brodeur's absence and the Devils have a record of just 3-7-2 in that span.
