New Jersey Devils Lose 3 Defensemen Ahead of Crucial Game Four vs Hurricanes

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NHL. During the playoffs they tend to be particularly prevalent and impactful.

We have already seen many teams deal with key injuries such as the Dallas Stars missing Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson.

Similarly, Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary is out for the playoffs after undergoing surgery.

Now the New Jersey Devils appear to be the team dealing with the worst of the injury bugs.

Team reporter Amanda Stein revealed today that the team will be missing several key players for game four against the Carolina Hurricanes today.

Making matters worse is that all the players that are injured are on the team's blueline.

She confirmed that Jonathan Kovacevic, Brendan Dillon, and Luke Hughes are the three defenseman that will be out of the lineup.

Hughes lead the team's defenseman in scoring in the regular season with 7 goals and 44 points in 71 games.

Dougie Hamilton will likely take his spot on the top powerplay until he can return.

Dillon and Kovacevic are more defensively-minded defenders, but their absences will be felt too against a strong Hurricanes team.

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe has confirmed that Dennis Cholowski will come in for Kovacevic, but it is unclear who will be replacing Hughes and Dillon.

Game four is essentially a must-win for New Jersey as well since they are currently down 2-1 in the series.

Will the injuries on their blueline put their season in danger? Tune in tonight to find out.