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Sidelined Nieuwendyk celebrates third Cup with third team

Joe Nieuwendyk has been replaced in the lineup the last few games by rookie Mike Rupp. AP

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey center Joe Nieuwendyk missed the Devils' Stanley Cup-clinching Game 7 win over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on Monday night because of a torn muscle on his left side.

His replacement, Mike Rupp, scored the game's first goal and set up the next two by Jeff Friesen as the Devils won their third Stanley Cup in nine years with a 3-0 victory over the Ducks.

For the first time since being injured in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against Ottawa, Nieuwendyk disclosed that he tore an oblique muscle.

Nieuwendyk took three faceoffs in the Devils' pre-game skate on Monday morning to see whether he could play in the winner-take-all contest to decide the Cup. The first two felt OK, but the third against Pascal Rheaume convinced Nieuwendyk that he would not be able to make it.

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"It was extremely difficult," Nieuwendyk said after the game. "I said if we were going to win it I could get over not playing."

Nieuwendyk said the injury has improved, but he still feels pain when he turns his body.

"Those were the guys that did it on the ice and I was just glad they wanted me around," Nieuwendyk said.

Nieuwendyk, who went to Anaheim for Game 6 in hopes of playing, said the injury will not require surgery.

Devils coach Pat Burns and Nieuwendyk, who will become a free agent after this season, discussed his injury after the skate.

"He made me aware that he needs everyone tonight and we agreed it could not be a situation like Ottawa," Nieuwendyk said. "I don't know if I can make it through a game at this point. It doesn't feel as good as it should."

Nieuwendyk's eyes looked teary as he talked before the game.

"I have been emotionally involved in this series not playing, as some guys who are playing," Nieuwendyk, who might be the Devils' best faceoff man. "I feel a part of it and the guys have made me feel a part of it."

 

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