Good news for Devils fans – Ondrej Palat is back on the ice. The veteran forward joined Friday’s practice after sitting out Wednesday’s game against Detroit with an injury.
Palat had given everyone a scare when he blocked a shot against Boston late in the regular season. But X-rays came back clean, and he looks ready to go for the playoffs.
That’s huge for New Jersey. Palat’s been there, done that when it comes to playoff hockey. We’re talking about a guy who’s played in 150 postseason games and won two Stanley Cups.
His playoff numbers are pretty impressive too. He’s racked up 101 points in those games, including seven points in 12 games for the Devils last season.
During the regular season, Palat put up 15 goals and added 13 assists while averaging about 14 minutes of ice time per game.
But it’s not all good news for the Devils.
Jonas Siegenthaler probably won’t be suiting up for their first-round series against Carolina. Head coach Sheldon Keefe didn’t sound optimistic, saying it “would be a surprise” to see the defenseman ready for Game 1.
Siegenthaler’s been out for over a month with a lower-body injury. The team recently moved him to long-term injured reserve after Jack Hughes had season-ending shoulder surgery.
The 27-year-old defender was having a solid year before getting hurt. He put up nine points in 55 games while throwing 75 hits and blocking 92 shots – the kind of defensive play the Devils could really use against a tough Carolina team.
