Injuries are starting to pile up. The New Jersey Devils announced that Jesper Bratt will miss Saturday night’s game with a lower-body injury.
Jack Hughes (upper) and Jesper Bratt (lower) are out vs Avalanche
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) January 4, 2020
Jesper Bratt Injured
During the Devils optional skate on Friday, there was some doubt as to whether or not Bratt could go against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The injury occurred late in the game against the New York Islanders on Thursday night, which the Devils won 2-1. After speaking with the medical staff head coach Alain Nasreddine determined Bratt was not good enough to play. Bratt is officially listed as day-to-day.
This is not the first injury for Bratt this season. Earlier in the season, Bratt missed several games with an upper-body injury. This injury could not have come at a worse time for Bratt. Since his promotion to the top line with Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri, Bratt has two goals and five points in his last five games. In 36 games this season, Bratt has registered 15 points (eight goals and seven assists).
Going Forward
The Devils will already be without rookie Jack Hughes against the Avalanche, Bratt’s absence could be more impactful. He is starting to find his game on the top line. Hopefully, this injury does not hurt his progress. In his place, the Devils recalled Ben Street from the AHL. Street will be playing in the NHL for the first time in a little over a year. His last NHL game came back on December 29th, 2018 with the Anaheim Ducks against the Arizona Coyotes.
This season, Street is having a great season for the Binghamton Devils. In 33 games with the team, he has 33 points (13 goals and 20 assists). Along with being named as the captain of an AHL All-Star, this has been a whirlwind week for Street.
During the Devils morning skate on Saturday, Pavel Zacha moved into the top line with Hischier and Palmieri. Street is centring a line with Miles Wood and Wayne Simmonds. Many thought Nikita Gusev would elevate to the top line, but the Devils do not want to break his line of Blake Coleman and Travis Zajac. Considering the chemistry of that line, it is wise to keep the trio together.
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