BLOG: ‘Good Chance’ Hischier Plays Tuesday, Other Updates

NEWARK, N.J. – There was a lot to unpack from the Devils’ Monday afternoon practice at Prudential Center. Let’s start with the most notable development, that is, captain Nico Hischier’s possible return to the lineup when New Jersey hosts the New York Rangers Tuesday night for the start of a four-game series.  

“I do expect him maybe (Tuesday),” Devils head coach Lindy Ruff said. “It was the day we identified that he could be back. If things went well today, there is a good chance we could see him.”

Video: RAW | Ruff on Hischier’s status and other topics

Hischier, who has been out of the lineup since Feb. 27, returned to team practice last Wednesday. He is recovering from undergoing surgery to repair a frontal sinus fracture on March 15. 

Here are the other big takeaways from practice:

Now getting into the details: 

* Bastian has been out of the lineup since suffering a lower-body injury March 18 against Pittsburgh. The rookie forward’s physical presence and edge has been missed by the team. Click here for more details on Bastian. 

“It’ll take a period of time, but I thought for his first practice he got through it pretty well,” Ruff said. 

* Zacha suffered an injury in Sunday night’s contest against Pittsburgh. He played only 5:05 minutes of ice time. Ruff hasn’t officially ruled him out for Tuesday, but has yet to receive an update on his condition. 

“He saw medical people today. Haven’t gotten medical evaluation yet on where he’s going to be at,” Ruff said. “We’re hoping it’s not serious. We should know more by later in the day.”

* Subban suffered a deep cut on his leg Sunday night, but did not leave the game. He was held off the ice Monday as a precaution.

“When you get something like that, just to keep him away from taking a chance of getting an infection or sweating on it,” Ruff said. “A maintenance day. He should be good to go (Tuesday).”

* Seigenthaler, who was acquired by the Devils from Washington Sunday afternoon, flew back with the Capitals to D.C. from Boston after their Sunday game. He arrived in New Jersey to meet the coaches and players Monday afternoon, but not in time for practice. Seigenthaler should join the team for Tuesday’s morning skate. 

“I think it would be fair to him to get a practice,” Ruff said. “We’ll meet with him today and go through how we want to play and see where he’s at. I wouldn’t rule him out either (for Tuesday), but a fair thing would be to get him into a couple skates and get him familiar with how we play.”