It truly is a Christmas/Holiday miracle. The New Jersey Devils confirm they will have major lineup returns when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
Jack Hughes stepped on the ice on Sunday for the Devils’ optional skate. He confirmed afterwards he will be in the lineup for the first time since Nov. 12th against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“I’m gonna play tonight [against the Sabres] and ease my way in,” Hughes told the Devils media.
Before Hughes suffered a hand laceration that required surgery, he was scoring at over a point per-game pace with 10 goals and 20 points in 17 games.
After morning skate, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Timo Meier and Arseny Gritsyuk are also returning to the lineup.
“[Jack], Gritsyuk, and Timo are all back. As we come back from the road trip and have them on the ice, it gives [the team] a big boost,” Keefe said.
Meier last played on Dec. 9th before having to take personal leave for a family health matter. He missed the Devils’ last five games. In 30 games this season, Meir’s potted 11 goals and 23 points.
Gritsyuk last played on Dec. 11th after suffering an upper-body injury. He missed the last four games. Gritsyuk netted seven goals and 16 points in 31 games this season.
Coming out of the lineuep on Sunday against Buffalo will be Juho Lammikko and Angus Crookshank.
Jake Allen is projected to start in goal.
Johnathan Kovacevic returned to practice with the team for the first time since before the season. The newly-extended defenseman required knee surgery in the summer. He’s nearing a return to the lineup closer to the New Year, but is not expected back just yet.
The Devils have perhaps the healthiest group of players they’ve had since the start of the season. Brett Pesce’s return last week has already paid dividends. Now, the lineup is nearing full capacity as the Devils are on a two-game win-streak.
