What were your thoughts when you saw that the Devils would be missing Martin Brodeur for a large chunk of the season?  I know my first thought was "Well, that's less competition for the Pens..."  Wow, so much can be said about hindsight, huh?

So up comes 31-year-old career backup, Scott Clemmensen, most likely to get an occasional spot start when regular backup Kevin Weekes gets tired.  Then Kevin Weekes looks shaky.  Scott Clemmensen comes in and...dominates?  What? 

But that's how things worked out.  The 8th round pick in 1997 stepped up and posted a 25-13-1 record in forty games, including a decent 2.39 goals against average and a respectable 91.7% save percentage.  To be honest, Scott Clemmensen was the punch line in many of my jokes over the years, but I guess I really can't do that so much anymore.

So the Devils got some welcomed news with Brodeur's return and plans to start today's game against the Avalanche.  Well, all except for Clemmensen.  He got the sour news that he gets to return to the AHL after his admirable performance stepping in as Brodeur's replacement during his downtime. 

But he's not bitter.  According to an NHL.com article, while he was obviously disappointed, he claims to "have no regrets."  Talk about a good loser.  But worst case, this stint can only prove to help his career.  I don't know the details on his contract, but he should be able to find a consistent role as at least a backup somewhere in the NHL next season.  The Devils could trade him at the deadline, or before the draft (I suspect his value would remain high by the draft), should he want a trade to somewhere he could play.

Either way, I think it's time to term this the "Conklin Effect."  A goalie shows himself as someone who can't make it in the NHL, gets a chance after spending time in the AHL, and potentially revives their career.  Worst case it could provide some speculation as to who it will happen to next!