John-Michael Liles is expected to play against the Devils after missing four games with a left wrist injury.

Liles, who was injured Feb. 15 in Detroit, joined the team Wednesday after staying behind in Colorado for treatment when the Avalanche left for the six-game trip.

Liles is the team's top scoring defenseman with seven goals and 21 assists in 55 games.

Raycroft back in goal

Goalie Andrew Raycroft will start for the Avalanche for the fifth time in six games. Raycroft has allowed 12 goals while winning three of his past four decisions.

He has a 4-4 career record against the Devils with a 2.77 goals-against average.

Granato backs effort

Though displeased with the Avalanche's record, coach Tony Granato isn't unhappy with the team's work ethic.

But he wants to see how players handle the remaining 21 games.

"You want to see guys compete from the start of the season through the end, especially when times get tough," Granato said. "That's what you're looking for because you're looking for character, for players that you want to go to battle with and will battle through tough times.

"That's what character is, and that's what this organization is all about - winning and having a winning tradition and having players that care about winning.

"I'm not going to question the effort level. I got a group that competes and competes hard. Sometimes we don't compete smart and execute like we need to in certain situations, but they compete and they work."

Goalie back in minors

With Brodeur healthy, the Devils sent Scott Clemmensen, 31, to their American Hockey League affiliate in Lowell, Mass.

Clemmensen, who went 25-13-1 with a 2.39 goals-against average and .917 saves percentage in Brodeur's absence, has discussed the possibility of a trade with Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello.

The Devils' other goalie is Kevin Weekes.