BLOG: Team Battling Injuries and Illness

The Devils have seen some injuries and illness around the team as of late, which impacted the lines in Monday's practice. Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt did not join the team on the ice for practice. Hughes was injured during the New Year's Eve game against the Bruins (Dec 31), while Bratt took a puck to the foot in the game against the Islanders (Jan 2).
Interim Head Coach Alain Nasreddine gave updates about both players following Monday's practice.
"With Jack, still day-to-day, but it is maybe taking a little longer than expected," said Nasreddine. "It's nothing real major, but he needs a little bit more time. With [Bratt], he tried it this morning before everybody, so we'll have a better update tomorrow morning."
When asked about whether both players would be available tomorrow, Nasreddine did say there was a concern they wouldn't be ready, but there is still time before decisions need to be made.
"There's that concern, but it's still a little early for tomorrow's game, especially in [Bratt's] situation."
Mackenzie Blackwood only participated in 25 minutes of practice on Monday. The goaltender has been under the weather but wanted to get on the ice after yesterday's off day.
"He came in early this morning and had a little bit of an illness so he wasn't 100%. He went out to at least feel the ice after a day off, but tomorrow morning we'll have a better idea about that," said Nasreddine.