Goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood (heel) and Jonathan Bernier (lower-body) both joined the Devils for practice Wednesday afternoon, the first time the tandem has practiced together in weeks.
"Real important," head coach Lindy Ruff said of their presence on the ice. "It's the next step for both of them. They look like they got through it pretty well today."
Blackwood, who has been recovering from off-season heel surgery, joined his teammates at Tuesday's morning skate. Meanwhile, Bernier, who has won his only two starts as a Devil, practiced for the first time in a week.
Blackwood has yet to play a game this season while Bernier has been out since Oct. 19. The Devils have three practice days before their next game Saturday in Pittsburgh.
"It felt great," Bernier said of practicing. "Obviously, it's never fun to miss time. It was a good start, a good practice with the guys. Just being out there was fun.
"When you're hurt, you're just on your own getting treatment, trying to stay away from guys that are getting ready for games. I'm just excited to be back. We'll see about the weekend, but today was a good first day for me."
Bernier, Blackwood Both Practice | BLOG
The Devils tandem of Jonathan Bernier and Mackenzie Blackwood both practiced for the first time together in weeks
