The New Jersey Devils a currently riding a three game losing streak. Here's is John's most recent game recap from last night's game against the Capitals. The Devils have scored one goal in each of those games, being outscored 15-3. John MacLean is still head coach, with the team sitting at 9-22-2 with a dismal 20 points.
Injuries haven't been a big concern of late compared to a month ago. No players have been banged up missing a game here or there, and there hasn't been any major injuries recently as well (knock on wood). Anssi Salmela was back in the line-up for the first time this season after his knee injury. He has played in three games so far with 0 points, a minus-3 rating and 4 shots on goal.
There's been some updates since last week's report. All after the jump.
Bryce Salvador - Head/Concussion - Salvador was hit a couple times in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He was sent for tests, and it was determined he suffered a concussion and will be out indefinitely. This initially helped the Devils solve their cap issues when he was put on LTIR. On Nov. 16th, Salvador was spotted at The Rock, yet told Gulitti he's still not even allowed to exercise, but that has changed since a few ago. Salvador has started to work out on a stationary bike. This is the only physical action he can do for the time being. This is a big step for Salvador, who is still a long ways from returning. Until his symptoms fully dissipate, we won't be seeing him. I wouldn't expect him in a game until mid-January or even February.
Zach Parise - Torn Right Knee - Parise tore his meniscus in his right knee when he collided with a player against the Los Angeles Kings. It's been an ailing injury that began hurting him in training camp. He's been placed on LTIR on Nov. 12th retroactive to Oct. 30th. He had surgery on Nov. 2nd. His timetable of 3 months hasn't changed and he is expected back early February. His knee brace has been removed and he will begin "motion" which is most likely light rehabilitation. Everything is on schedule and looks good for Parise's return in February. By the way, there still hasn't been any talks regarding his contract for next season; he's a Restricted Free Agent after the season.
Matt Taormina - Sprained Left Ankle - The rookie defenseman twisted his ankle in practice on Nov. 14th. He's been out since, and hasn't skated. Per Gulitti, he's been placed on injured reserve retroactive to his last game played (Nov. 12th vs. the Edmonton Oilers). Lamoriello confirmed it's a high ankle sprain and was waiting for clearance from the doctors to begin skating. Per Tom Gulitti, he started skating two weeks ago, took a few days off , then went back to the ice. He's now off the ice again, which is now a big set back for the rookie defenseman.
Jacob Josefson - Torn Left Thumb - Josefson tore a ligament in his left hand against the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 27th. He was slashed on the hand and then fell on it, though it can not be determined what actually caused the tear. He's scheduled to miss 6 to 8 weeks, which would be around the new year. He was spotted at the Rock with Parise in the team suite, perhaps taking a nap? Per Gulitti, Josefson had his cast and pins removed and will start therapy. Josefson has started skating. He's awaiting medical clearance from the doctors to begin practicing.
Mark Fraser - Broken Left Hand - Fraser suffered his injury against Buffalo on Oct. 13th, and the next day he found out he broke his hand, would need surgery to insert a pin, and would wear a cast for 4 to 6 weeks. Fraser had to stay off the ice and couldn't work out for a period of time because he couldn't sweat (because of the pin and cast). Fraser joined Salvador on the bike and is on schedule (8 weeks). His cast was removed over two weeks ago. He has been skating on his own for a week awaiting clearance from the doctor to begin practicing. Per Gulitti, he's been given the OK to begin practice with the team. He skated with Anssi Salmela on the 4th pair today. Fraser will practice for a bit before getting into a game. There's no word if he will need a conditioning start in Albany.
Ilya Kovalchuk - Sick - Kovy missed practice today due to an illness. There's no word if he will play tomorrow against the New York Islanders. Hopefully there isn't a bug going around the team.
Dainius Zubrus - Foot - Zubrus had an x-ray on his foot and things are fine. He blocked a shot a few games back so this was just a precautionary measure.
Express your concern about the injuries in the comments. Who should be sent down when Fraser and Salmela eventual return? What should the new lines/pairings look like? Who do the Devils need the most that is expected back soon? Thanks for reading.