For the first time all season, the New Jersey Devils will hit the ice without their captain.
The 26-year-old forward suffered the setback Saturday in a 4-3 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens. Hischier left the game in the third period after taking a cross-check from Nick Suzuki.
After the game, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe described the captain’s status as “day-to-day.”
Hischier has been productive for New Jersey all season, tallying 24 goals and 19 assists for 43 points in 51 games. He’s currently on pace for a career-high 39 goals this season, even netting one before leaving Saturday’s win early.
Hischier will be a noticeable absence, considering he leads the team in scoring, both even strength (15) and power-play goals (nine) while ranking third in points and total time on ice.
A prolonged absence for its captain would be less than ideal for a New Jersey team that’s third in the Metropolitan Division at 28-17-6, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes by only two points.
Meanwhile, the good news is that Jack Hughes will suit up despite missing morning skate. The 23-year-old has been battling a nagging finger injury suffered against the Boston Bruins last Wednesday. Despite requiring stitches, he did play 20 minutes in Saturday’s OT win. Hughes leads the Devils in points with 57 (19 goals, 38 assists) so far this season through his 51 appearances.
New Jersey is set to take on Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.