NEW YORK - The NHL schedules 2,460 games in a season. Most are run of the mill. On occasion, though, there are special games.

One of those is tonight.

For the first time since he signed with the Ducks, Scott Niedermayer will take the ice against his former team, the Devils, in New Jersey. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said it would be a unique night for No. 27.

Standing inside the visiting dressing room in Madison Square Garden following the morning skate in the hours prior to the Ducks' 4-1 win over the Rangers Thursday night, the defenseman couldn't contain his anticipation for tonight's homecoming.

"It's exciting," Niedermayer said. "It'll be interesting to see the new rink (The Prudential Center), so it'll be a lot different in that sense. But it's still (being) back in Jersey, a lot of familiar faces. I'm looking forward to it."

And why shouldn't he? The Edmonton native was the Devils' first-round selection (No. 3 overall) in 1991. In 14 seasons in New Jersey, he became the franchise leader in goals (112) and points (476) by a defenseman. Niedermayer won the only Norris Trophy in the franchise's history in 2004. He appeared in three All-Star games (1998, 2001 and 2004) and was a NHL All-Star first-team selection in 2004 and 2006 and a second-team selection in 1998.

And Niedermayer was integral part of three Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Devils. It is safe to say he has fond recollections of his time with the Devils.

"I'm proud of what we accomplished as a team there. Good memories, for sure," a smiling Niedermayer said. "I was there for a long time. Everyone's here to win a Cup, and we did it three times."

According to a Devils spokesperson, the organization is not expected to honor their former defenseman before tonight's game. It is a curious decision, but the Ducks do not think it is meant to be a slight.

"I don't think it is (an insult)," Ducks general manager Brian Burke said. "Different teams do things in different ways. We always honor former players. Some teams don't. I'm sure they don't want to do anything to give us life and that's their prerogative."

"Whatever it is, it is," Niedermayer said. "It's not going to change my memories of playing there, good or bad. It'll be fun."


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