New Jersey Veteran Broten Feels Icy Touch Of Devils’ Wrath

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New Jersey general manager Lou Lamoriello told Neal Broten last week that he had 24 hours to make a trade for himself or he would be released.

Broten’s brother and agent, Aaron Broten, could not make a deal, and Neal was sent packing.

“He did not show the enthusiasm or excitement that needed to be shown,” Lamoriello said.

This goes back to last season. Management didn’t like it when Broten, a 15-year veteran, skipped a practice after the All-Star Game last season. Devils coach Jacques Lemaire planned an extra day off for his team, but changed his mind because the team was performing so poorly.

Broten, separated from his family by the 1995 trade from Dallas to the Devils, refused to change plans for a family vacation and missed the practice, resulting in a team-imposed suspension.

Notes

Jason Muzzatti stopped 34 shots and Keith Primeau had two goals and one assist in his home debut since joining Hartford to spark the Whalers to a 6-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils Saturday night. … Andy Moog posted his 23rd career shutout on a light work night (14 saves) as the Dallas Stars beat the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 for their seventh victory in eight games.

The Detroit Red Wings, who set a record for victories in an NHL season last year and were unbeaten in nine games in the preseason, are 3-4-0 after a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders in Detroit. … The Pittsburgh Penguins held the Washington Capitals to just 19 shots for a 2-1 victory. … Alexandre Daigle had the tying goal in the second and the winner in the third as Ottawa beat Montreal 6-3.