NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils left wing Ryane Clowe was forced to leave the game against the Florida Panthers late in the second period Monday night after taking a hard hit from Quinton Howden. The Devils announced in the third period that Clowe would not return.
Clowe, who missed 32 games this season with a concussion, was rattled by Howden with 1:09 remaining in the second and the Devils holding a 4-3 lead. He appeared dazed by the hit while being looked over by trainers.
Clowe was having his most productive offensive game as a Devil with one goal and three points. In his absence, Devils coach Peter DeBoer has reinserted Tuomo Ruutu on the top line alongside center Travis Zajac and right wing Jaromir Jagr. Devils coach Peter DeBoer did not provide an update on Clowe's condition after the game, which the Devils won 6-3.
For the season, Clowe has seven goals and 26 points.
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