Brian Skrudland, the checking center, said he didn't want to be part of a team that is a "coach-killer."

If he wanted to change his game and become a checking center, he can still skate.

Brian Skrudland, a checking center, suffered a shoulder strain in the same period.

He was a fourth-line checking center, short for his sport at 5 feet 8 inches.

Madden, one of four Devils rookies with regular roles, played another outstanding game as a checking center.

Another surprise involved Joel Otto, the big checking center who did not dress.

Tim Taylor, once he recuperates from an appendectomy, is a checking center.

He has said he is looking for a checking center and possibly more "grit" from the wing positions.

DiMaio scored 5 goals in 50 games in his role as a checking center.

John Madden, usually considered a checking center, started the comeback with his 22nd goal late in the second period.