Devil of the Week of Feb. 18, 2013: Martin Brodeur

Not easy to pick an outstanding Devils' player this week, but the closest I could find was Marty Brodeur. He was the first star in a loss to Ottawa and did win in Washington Thursday night — all in a week that was likely the worst of this entire season.

Devil of the Week: Alexei Ponikarovsky

There was no one player who really stood out this week, so since he scored a goal in his return to New Jersey against the Flyers, we'll give the Player of the Week Award this week to Alexei Ponikarovsky.

Outside the box for The Devil of the Week: Peter DeBoer

Head Coach Peter DeBoer is our Devil of the Week.

It's rare a coach would get such an accolade, but given what this man has done not just in the past week, but all season long — and last season for that matter — it's time he be recognized.

While he was in Florida, he never made the playoffs, and yet his teams were very close. One year, he was but a point out of the playoffs. And what he's done here has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Devils went 5-0-0 in the last week — and it simply seems every move DeBoer makes works.

I've said it before and I'll say it again — his hiring may be on the most under-appreciated, yet most brilliant moves, made by Lou Lamoriello. I was laughed at when, after he was fired by Florida, I suggested he be the next coach here.

Let's say that laughter is long gone.