TORONTO – The Devils’ chase for a third straight Eastern Conference title received a crucial piece of encouraging news when it was learned that captain Scott Stevens will resume skating in a matter of days, rather than weeks.

Stevens left the team from Edmonton to return to New Jersey Wednesday because of a groin injury suffered early against the Canucks in Vancouver Monday. He underwent an examination yesterday, where the injury was confirmed to be to upper groin muscles, rather than the lower abdominal ones that were feared.

Stevens is not expected to start skating until after the Devils return from this Canadian trip, which they complete here tomorrow against the Maple Leafs. In his absence, the Devils have conceded only one goal in each of two victories.