The New Jersey Devils were able to snap their six game losing streak last night by defeating he Florida Panthers 4-2. While the Devils got the much needed win to keep pace in the Metropolitan division, they did lose defender Ryan Graves to injury. In the first period, Graves went into the end boards with Florida forward Zac Dalpe. As both players were battling for position, Graves lost his footing and his right knee crashed into the end boards. Graves needed assistance to get off the ice and he did not return to the game.
We still don't know the severity of the injury for Graves. Perhaps he will be reevaluated today by the medical staff. It is likely that he will miss some time which is less than ideal for New Jersey. John Marino, who has really had a great season, already missed last night's game with an upper body injury as well so the Devils are suddenly thin on the blueline.
New Jersey has one big home game left against the Boston Bruins at home tomorrow night. It will be a game between two of the leagues premier teams this year. Before their next game, look for New Jersey to recall a defenseman from Utica in the American Hockey League to fill in for Graves. It likely will not be Devil's first round pick from last year Simon Nemec as he is headed to the World Junior Championship. Perhaps Reilly Walsh or Nikita Okhotyuk gets the call. Let's hope Graves injury is not severe and can join his team after the holiday break. He's played very well for New Jersey this season. It would be a shame if he missed an extended period of time.
