The New Jersey Devils have rocketed to the top of the Metropolitan Division standings to start the season, largely in part due to the team’s suffocating possession game. Goaltending has remained a concern for the team to start the year, but they could get a potential third option back somewhat soon. Head coach Lindy Ruff noted to reporters today, including Devils reporter and content creator Amanda Stein, that Jonathan Bernier is “progressing” from a hip injury suffered over 10 months ago.
Ruff said the team will make a decision on when Bernier is ready to play again and when to get him into some games. The 34-year-old netminder played just 10 games last season after signing a two-year contract. With Mackenzie Blackwood posting a concerning .871 save percentage to start the year, a resurgence from Bernier could have him force his way back into an NHL tandem job. For now, he remains on long-term injured reserve as he works toward what would be an impressive comeback.
- Pittsburgh Penguins center Jeff Carter is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury suffered Saturday against Seattle, according to head coach Mike Sullivan. Carter did not practice today and it’s doubtful he’ll suit up for the team tomorrow at home against Boston. Drew O’Connor, who the Penguins recalled from the AHL today, served as Carter’s fill-in at the third-line center position today during practice between Danton Heinen and Kasperi Kapanen. Carter was in the midst of a strong start to the season, recording two goals and four assists for six points in nine games.
- Top Philadelphia Flyers defense prospect Cam York, currently in the AHL, suffered a lower-body injury yesterday when Lehigh Valley took on the Hershey Bears, according to Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr. The 21-year-old is listed as day-to-day. After failing to crack the team out of camp despite playing 30 games with Philadelphia last season, York has four points in seven games with Lehigh Valley and a -2 rating to start the year.