It appears Nico Hischier's injury may be worse than anticipated.
The New Jersey Devils captain will miss Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers and is now being considered "week-to-week," head coach Sheldon Keefe said.
“(It is) something (trainers will) evaluate again next week and then take it from there, but he wont be available this week, for sure,” Keefe said after the morning skate.
The 26-year-old forward suffered the setback Saturday in a 4-3 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens. Hischier left the game in the third period after taking a cross-check from Nick Suzuki.
After the game, Keefe described the captain's status as "day-to-day."
But Hischier was unable to play Monday against the Flyers and now seems slated for a significant absence.
Hischier has been productive for New Jersey all season, tallying 24 goals and 19 assists for 43 points in 51 games. He's currently on pace for a career-high 39 goals this season, even netting one before leaving Saturday's win.
His absence will be notable considering he leads the team in scoring, even-strength goals (15) and power-play goals (nine) while ranking third in points and total time on ice.
New Jersey is already without top goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who is in the middle of missing four-to-six weeks with a lower-body injury.
The Devils sit third in the Metropolitan Division at 28-18-6, comfortably ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets for a playoff spot but trailing division leader Washington by 11 points.
--with files from The Associated Press
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