New Jersey Devils
Nico Hischier will not play for the Devils in their season opener at the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday (7 pm ET; ESPN+, HULU, SN NOW) because of a hamstring strain.
The center took part in the morning skate and stayed after for extra work, but said he wasn’t feeling comfortable enough to play.
“I pretty much felt good out there, just not where I wanted to be,” Hischier said. “I’m aiming for Saturday (against the Detroit Red Wings). I’m a little bit frustrated, obviously, because that was my big goal, being ready for today. But I’ve just got to listen to my body and don “I don’t want to risk any further injuries.”
Hischier was limited to 6:24 of ice time in a 2-1 preseason win over the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 26 because of cramping and did not play in any of the remaining preseason games.
He set NHL career highs in goals (21), assists (39) and points (60) in 70 games last season. — Adam Kimelman
Philadelphia Flyers
Cam Atkinson will not play for the Flyers in their season opener against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday (7 pm ET; ESPN+, HULU, SN NOW).
The forward has been day to day since Sept. 25 because of an upper-body injury. He did not play any preseason games.
Atkinson was on the ice for practice Wednesday but did not take part in line rushes. Coach John Tortorella said earlier in the week that he was optimistic Atkinson would practice fully Wednesday and play Thursday.
Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen will not play after leaving practice early Wednesday.
“He’s just not ready so we’ll go day by day,” Tortorella said Thursday. “It’s lingered. Didn’t happen yesterday in practice, he’s been nicked up throughout camp.”
Forward Joel Farabee will play. He had artificial disk replacement surgery in his cervical region on June 24. It was expected that he would need 3-4 months to recover but was cleared for contact on Oct. 7.
“It definitely feels good,” Farebee said. “Probably early in the summer, I didn’t think I’d be playing game one, but to be here now, just really excited to be back with the guys. I think opening night is a really special night of the season so I I’m really, really looking forward to it.” — Adam Kimelman
Columbus Blue Jackets
Patrick Laine‘s status for the Blue Jackets’ home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday (7 pm ET; BSOH, BSSUN, ESPN+, SN NOW) is unknown.
“We’ll find out something later this afternoon,” coach Brad Larsen said after practice Thursday.
Laine appeared to sustain an upper-body injury in a 4-1 season-opening loss to the Carolina Hurricanes when he was sandwiched between defenseman. Brett Pesce and the boards. He finished his shift with 13:14 remaining in the second period. The forward was looked at by the training staff on the bench before going to the locker room and not returning.
Laine scored 11 seconds into the second to give Columbus a 1-0 lead. He did not practice Thursday, but was seen talking to the staff at the bench.
Justin Danforth replaced Laine on the top line Thursday Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner.
“I think it’s a good opportunity,” Danforth said. “I played with those guys today and hopefully we can build some chemistry, get some connections.”
Goalie Elvis Merzlikins practiced and said he should be available Friday after not traveling to Carolina because of a non-COVID-19 illness. — Craig Merz
Buffalo Sabres
Kyle Okposo has been cleared to play in the season opener against the Ottawa Senators (7 pm ET; MSG-B, TSN5, RDS, ESPN+, SN NOW).
The forward wore a regular practice jersey Tuesday after wearing a no-contact one Monday. Okposo, who was named Sabers captain Saturday, sustained an upper-body injury in a preseason game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 4.
“Yeah, he won’t be denied. He’s good,” coach Don Granato said. “He’s been cleared. I’m comfortable with it. I have more information than when I spoke to you yesterday. Evident by the way he competes in practice, he’s ready to go.” — Heather Engel
Pittsburgh Penguins
Teddy Blueger will not play for the Penguins against the Arizona Coyotes (7 pm ET; ATTSN-PT, BSAZ, ESPN+, SN NOW) because of an upper-body injury.
The forward practiced in a no-contact jersey Wednesday and Thursday after being the only player missing from a night practice Monday. Blueger is day to day after being injured in training camp Sept. 28.
“Teddy will not be available tonight,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He skated this morning. You guys probably saw that. His status hasn’t changed. He’s still day to day. But he won’t play tonight.”
Blueger said it would be difficult to describe what he’s experienced as a straightforward setback.
“It’s been pretty frustrating,” Blueger said Wednesday. “Sometimes, that’s how it goes. Just have to stick with it and take it day by day. Take the small improvements as they come.”
Blueger first joined the Penguins in an optional morning skate Friday, when coach Mike Sullivan said they would like him to take full contact in at least one practice before the season opener Thursday. He again took no contact Sunday before missing the most recent practice Monday.
Ryan Poehling is expected to take Blueger’s spot at fourth-line center with left wing Brock McGinn and right wing Josh Archibald. — Wes Crosby
Boston Bruins
Anton Stralman signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Bruins on Wednesday but was not available for their season opener, a 5-2 win at the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.
“We’re trying to get things done quicker on his visa,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said. “So, he’s not eligible until we get that. … (I like) the way he thinks the game, the way he quickly makes decisions to get pucks out of our end and the poise he has at the offensive blue line.”
The 36-year-old defenseman had 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 74 games for the Arizona Coyotes last season and signed a professional tryout contract with Boston on September 24. Stralman was with the Bruins in Washington.
“I’m happy with my camp, and I truly appreciate that they liked what they saw,” he said.
Stralman has 293 points (63 goals, 230 assists) in 930 regular-season games over 15 NHL seasons.
“I know I’m at the tail end of my career, and as year and year go by, you’re looking for an opportunity to go deep and have a chance to win,” Stralman said. “I think this team has a lot of those ingredients you need. Very happy that it worked out, and I’m excited.”
Boston opened the season without defensemen Matt Grzelcyk (shoulder) and Charlie McAvoy (shoulder). Grzelcyk has returned to practice, but McAvoy is expected to be out until at least late November. — Harvey Valentine
New York Rangers
Vitaly Kravtsov did not travel with the Rangers on their two-game road trip because of an upper-body injury.
The forward was injured in the first period of a season-opening 3-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday when he was hit into the boards by Victor Hedman. He left the game and did not return.
Kravtsov did not skate Wednesday and will not play at the Minnesota Wild on Thursday (8 pm ET; BSN, BSWI, MSG, ESPN+, SN NOW) or the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. He will be reevaluated next week.
Forward Sammy Blais (upper body) took part in practice Wednesday in a non-contact jersey.
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