Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

New Jersey Devils Can’t Afford Kyle Palmieri Injury

By Nick Villano

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 19: New Jersey Devils Right Wing Kyle Palmieri (21) talks to referee Kelly Sutherland (11) during first period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 19, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 19: New Jersey Devils Right Wing Kyle Palmieri (21) talks to referee Kelly Sutherland (11) during first period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 19, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri went down in practice on Sunday with a lower-body injury. The team can’t afford to lose him for long.

The New Jersey Devils offense has been a breath of fresh air for fans to start this season. Nico Hischier has been a force in his first games in the NHL. Jesper Bratt has been a surprise to start the season. Will Butcher leads all rookies with nine points. No, not rookie defensive, he leads all rookies in points. The rookies have stepped up the offense to another level.

That being said, the veterans are still very important to this offense, and losing them could start a losing streak. Kyle Palmieri was hurt in practice on Sunday when he fell into the boards. The team cannot afford to lose him for any significant amount of time.

Palmieri scored three goals in seven games this season. Two of those three goals came in games the Devils took into overtime and won, meaning without his goals the Devils likely lose. His move to the second line has given life to Adam Henrique’s game. Both players seem to be thriving off each other.

More from Pucks and Pitchforks

Palmieri’s goal against the Ottawa Senators gave the Devils new life. Coming out of a second period where the team felt like it had no fight, Palmieri scores and the team looks completely different. The team won that game in overtime despite a two-goal third period deficit.

The prognosis for Palmieri’s injury is day to day right now. He won’t be practicing tomorrow, but it seems like the prognosis isn’t terrible. Hopefully, he will be able to return to the lineup on Friday thanks to this long week off.

Due to the injury of Travis Zajac and Brian Boyle’s cancer fight, the Devils aren’t in a position to lose another veteran. Especially Palmieri, who quietly could be the key to this team.

Home/Devils News