Optional morning skate for Devils today. Damien Brunner just stepped on the ice with his skate guards still on. And he fell. Jon Merrill wearing the full cage again. He said whenever he plays again, hell have to wear the cage. Stephen Gionta (lower body), who said Friday he was getting close, just stepped on the ice for hte Devils skate. Of the healthy players, only Elias, Henrique, Ryder, Greene and Zidlicky are not participating in Devils skate. Clowe (hit head on boards) and Salvador (groin) also not skating. DeBoer said no decisions yet on whether Merrill, Volchenkov will play. Might dress extras for warm-ups. Didnt rule out Gionta. Gionta said he tweaked his ankle that he injured earlier this season. Feels better now, but only 2nd day skating so wont play tonight. Merrill, Bernier and Gionta stayed on for extra skating. Merrill and Bernier claimed not to know if they are playing or out tonight. The swelling on the right side fo Merrills face had come down significantly from when I saw him yesterday. Even if Merrril and Bernier sit, looks like the Devils will dress one extra for warm-ups -- 7 D and 12 forwards.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:02:46 +0000