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Devils goalie Martin Brodeur will again back up Cory Schneider.

(Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger)

Devils coach Pete De Boer said Cory Schneider will make his third consecutive start in goal Thursday night when the team hosts the Vancouver Canucks at Prudential Center.

He said the team will not have captain Bryce Salvador, who returned to Lethbridge, Alberta, because of a death in his family.

DeBoer said no decision has been made as to whether AHL recall Eric Gelinas will play. But Schneider will be in net instead of Martin Brodeur.

"It's never easy. We've got two very good goalies at different points in their career. One is the greatest goalie of all time and the other guy is a legitimate starter in this league. That situation is never easy," DeBoier said.

"I think both guys have handled it very professionally so far. It hasn't been an issue. (Schneider) has had experience with that in Vancouver (alongside Roberto Luongo). I think that's helped him. On the flip side, Marty has been outstanding in his handling of it so far. You always worry about the mental state of guys that aren't playing. The good news is we've got two top-flight professionals who are better people even than they are players. That helps."

Is the decision based on Schneider facing his former club again?

"There are a lot of factors that go into the decision. That's the decision," DeBoer said.

DeBoer said he believes Patrik Elias (flu) will be able to play after missing two games.

"I talked to him this this morning. I'm very optimistic," DeBoer said.

As for Gelinas: "We're going to decide on the roster tomorrow morning.

"He had a good camp. I don't have any reservations (using him)."

If Gelinas plays, he'll probably see time on the power play.

"We'd definitely consider it," the coach said. "He runs the power play down in Albany. That's one of his strengths."

DeBoer said he expects Peter Harrold (right arm) to play.

"Nothing serious," the coach said.