Joe unlikely to go

Devils will probably go for Cup without Nieuwendyk

Joe Nieuwendyk could become the sixth player since 1927 to win the Cup with three different teams. AP

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Devils center Joe Nieuwendyk said Sunday night he's unlikely to play in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals against Anaheim on Monday.

Nieuwendyk hasn't played since early in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against Ottawa because of a hip-related injury.

Nieuwendyk skated with his teammates during their pregame warmup Saturday night before Game 6 in Anaheim, but was scratched by coach Pat Burns several minutes before the game started.

"It just wasn't ready," Nieuwendyk said.

After the teams arrived in New Jersey on Sunday night, Nieuwendyk said it's unlikely his condition would improve enough for him to play in Game 7.

Burns said only that Nieuwendyk's status remains doubtful.

"Until he gets on the ice, I can't really say," Burns said.

Nieuwendyk is trying to win a Stanley Cup with a third team. He also won with Calgary in 1989 -- when the Flames beat Burns' Montreal Canadiens -- and with Dallas in 1999.

 

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