New Jersey Devils
Nico Hischier expects to return to the lineup against the Dallas Stars on Saturday (6 p.m. ET; MSGSN, Victory+).
“The plan is playing tomorrow,” Hischier said Friday. “I felt better again today [during practice], and I’m just trying to get back into the game mindset.”
The forward was placed on injured reserve Feb. 6, retroactive to Jan. 25, and missed six games because of an oblique injury. He has participated in all three practices the Devils have held this week.
“We got to see exactly where he’s at,” New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe said. “That’s the been the plan … building him up towards playing. Obviously we have a back to back right out of the gate [Nashville Predators on Sunday], so we have to have a conversation with him, or more importantly the medical people, just to make sure that they’re on the same page.
“But he got through some pretty hard and competitive practices this week, which is a very good sign. I think we’ll just see where he’s at tomorrow.”
Keefe said center Jack Hughes could be a game-time decision Saturday after playing for the United States in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston on Thursday.
“I haven’t talked to him yet and obviously it’s a heartbreaking loss for them,” Keefe said. “So let him be here and then we’ll connect this afternoon and see where he’s at.”
Goalie Jacob Markstrom, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, was on the ice for some work prior to practice for the second time this week. He sustained a sprained MCL in his knee during a 5-1 win against the Boston Bruins on Jan. 22, and was expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
“He’s progressing,” Keefe said. “He got a full goalie session today, his second practice now. He’s been out for the early portion as scheduled before leaving the ice. He’s not building up a full workload yet so he’s not close to playing at this point. But he’s certainly making his way to being closer to a full practice participant and that’ll be the next step for him.” — Mike G. Morreale
Article by:Source:
