Yahoo Sports Devils Forward Returns to Lineup Against Hurricanes
Curtis Lazar will return to the New Jersey Devils lineup on Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center.
The 29-year-old missed time after sustaining a lower-body injury on Oct. 27 against the Anaheim Ducks. After a successful left knee procedure, he returned from injury on Dec. 17 against the St. Louis Blues, playing the entire game.
Two days later, head coach Sheldon Keefe said Lazar's knee "got a little angry at him," leading the coaching staff to shut the forward down until after the holidays.
The versatile veteran was available for Friday's game but was kept out of the lineup.
"(Lazar) is feeling good," Keefe said Friday morning. "He is ready to go. We have just elected here with the nature of the back-to-back, and having a break (it's) not an ideal situation for an injured player coming back into the lineup. But he feels really good and is available to play tonight and will be available to play tomorrow as well."
Ahead of Saturday's matchup, Keefe told reporters in Carolina that Lazar will draw back into the lineup, with Justin Dowling coming out.
Through 13 games, Lazar has one goal and one assist. Both came over his last four games before suffering his lower-body injury.
The Devils and Hurricanes will drop the puck at 7:00 P.M. Fans can watch the game on MSGSN 2 or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Related: Devils Q&A: 4 Random Questions With Stefan Noesen
EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog
Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied'
