Yahoo Sports Devils Forward To Undergo Further Testing, Missed Practice In Seattle With Injury
The New Jersey Devils held a practice Sunday afternoon in Seattle in preparation for their Monday night game against the Seattle Kraken.
One player who was not on the ice was 33-year-old Erik Haula. The organization announced he missed practice as he undergoes further testing on his ankle, and is considered day-to-day.
"He has an ankle injury," head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "He is going to miss some time, getting an MRI right now. Once we get the (results) of that, then we will better know the timetable."
Haula has offensively struggled, not earning a point over his last 18 games. Through 42 contests, he has 11 points (five goals, six assists). One area where he has contributed is the face-off circle. After Nico Hischier, Haula has taken the second-most draws at 462 with a face-off win percentage of 55.4%.
Justin Dowling skated in Haula's spot, per play-by-play announcer Bill Spaulding. The veteran has received praise from Keefe for his play.
"I have been really happy with him this whole time here," Keefe said to The Hockey News. "His attitude and his approach never wavered or changed. He has been all about the team and the opportunity (and did) whatever was asked of him, whatever we needed. He has done a good job."
The following lines and pairs were used Sunday afternoon at Kraken Community Iceplex:
Ondrej Palat - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Stefan Noesen
Paul Cotter - Justin Dowling - Dawson Mercer
Tomas Tatar - Curtis Lazar - Nathan Bastian
Brenden Dillon - Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Siegenthaler - Johnathan Kovacevic
Luke Hughes - Brett Pesce
Jacob Markstrom/Jake Allen
The Devils will play the Kraken Monday night at 10:00 P.M., ET. Fans can watch on MSGSN or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
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