The New Jersey Devils announced that forward Nico Hischier and Sami Vatanen will miss Tuesday night’s game with lower-body injuries. Both players are listed as day-to-day.
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P.K. Subban (ill) is game time decison; if he can’t go, Colton White will make his season debut.
Hischier and Vatanen are out. Nasreddine said Hischier and Vatanen ailments aren’t long-term.— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) February 4, 2020
Nico Hischier and Sami Vatanen Out Of The Lineup
After missing practice on Monday, both players did not take part in the Devils morning skate prior to the team’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Both players were injured during the Devils 3-2 overtime loss on Saturday night against the Dallas Stars. Hischier was injured during the first period of the game. After going down awkwardly, Hischier went to the bench, he missed a couple of shifts, before returning to the ice. He missed some time at the start of the second period after getting stitches in his knee. He was ultimately able to finish the game. Since Taylor Hall has been traded, Hischier has taken his play to the next level. That ultimately led to an All-Star appearance this season. He truly has become the new leader of the Devils.
Vatanen was injured towards the end of the third period blocking a shot. He clearly was in some discomfort limping to the bench. While he was on the bench, he did not finish the game or play in the overtime session. Even with the Devils defence weaker than most teams, Vatanen has been a steady force back there. He eats minutes and is the catalyst for driving the breakout of the Devils zone.
Head coach Alain Nasreddine does not believe with injury will be long term. He is hopeful both players will be ready to go for Thursday night. In addition, P.K. Subban is a game-time decision as he is dealing with an illness.
Moving Forward
With Hischier out of the lineup, the Devils recalled Joey Anderson from the AHL. In 44 games with season with Binghamton Devils, he has 34 points (15 goals and 19 assists). Anderson will be playing on the Devils fourth line with Kevin Rooney and John Hayden. Also, Jack Hughes will be taking over the top-line centre between Kyle Palmieri and Jesper Bratt.
With Subban not participating in the morning skate, the Devils recalled defenceman Colton White from the AHL. If Subban cannot go Tuesday night, White will draw into the lineup.
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