Last's night game was a complete disaster. Here is John's recap of the game, and like every Devils fan should be, he was not happy with the effort let alone the result. There was a very small, minuscule positive to take from this game: some players returned after being out due to injuries. It didn't help, at all. Injuries aren't the only thing plaguing this team at this point, but a healthy line-up is more prone to win games than a depleted one.
Matthew Corrente returned after missing two games with a bruised shoulder. This was his second injury of the season already (broken hand). Jamie Langenbrunner also returned to the line-up after missing three weeks (8 games) with a sore neck after falling into the boards against the Buffalo Sabres. It's possible he aggravated a herniated disc. Jason Arnott had a stomach bug or even food poisoning during the long break. He missed Pat Burns' funeral on Monday. Patrik Elias missed the game against the Philadelphia Flyers last weekend because his wife gave birth. Congrats Patty. Both returned and contributed to the only goal last night.
After the jump is the list of players that still remain out.
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 in LTIR. On Nov. 16th, Salvador was spotted at The Rock, yet told Gulitti he's still not even allowed to exercise, but that has finally changed. Salvador worked out today on a stationary bike with the team. 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. There's no need to rush him and the Devils medical staff seems to be doing the right thing. 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. From the TSN crew (during the Flames/Devils game), he will wear a cast for a couple more weeks, then begin rehabilitation. He should be starting rehab soon baring any setbacks.
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? There's been no update on him.
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 a week ago and wears a temporary one when he is not exercising. He expects to skate sometime this week, so we should be expect him to return the following week. Fraser hasn't skated yet.
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). No update.
Anssi Salmela - Torn Right Knee - This was an off-season ACL injury that was reported in September that he was months behind. That turns out to be shorter than expected. He began skating in late October. His first full practice was Nov. 11th. He's expecting to be back in December, which is a little ahead of schedule. He's wants to be careful before getting into a game to risk further injury. Anssi was to see a doctor during the week, who could clear him to play. He may play a game in Albany before returning to New Jersey.
Martin Brodeur - Bruised Right Elbow - Marty took a Patrick Kane shot to the elbow that irritated him and he left the game during the second half of the 2nd period against the Chicago Blackhawks. He tried to practice before a game against Our Hated Rivals, but no dice. He missed two games, then returned against the Edmonton Oilers. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs however, he again left the game in the 2nd period feeling discomfort in his elbow. On Nov. 20, it was reported he will miss a maximum of two weeks. Per Rich Chere, Marty told a French-Canadien news website that he does not expect to play this week (The Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday as well). Here's the direct link of the article. Here's the Google Translation of the article. Marty hasn't skated yet, but he expects to tomorrow. Johan Hedberg will start against Philthy.
David Clarkson - Per John's recap from last night's game:
David Clarkson was outright terrible, and unfortunately seemed to head to the bench near the end of the game clutching his left arm.
Tom Gulitti reports that Clarkson is fine. He participated in full practice.
The closest player that is set to return is Brodeur. Expecting him to play on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins may be rushing things. The Devils next game is Friday in Ottawa, which is the first leg of a back-to-back. Salmela is practicing and may be ready to return next week as well. Once Fraser and Taormina begin skating and practicing, it shouldn't be too long before seeing them in a game.
Express your concern about the injuries in the comments. Who should be sent down when these players eventual return? What should the new lines look like? Who do the Devils need the most that is expected back soon? Thanks for reading.