Hischier Practice, Opener Status Unknown | INJURY REPORT

Devils captain Nico Hischier rejoined his teammates for practice Tuesday afternoon for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury Sept. 26 at Montreal.
Although Hischier was back on the ice - he skated for a preplanned 30 minutes as directed by the training staff - his status for New Jersey's Thursday season opener at Philadelphia is still to be determined.
"I still have to do some stuff in the gym, start skating (full time) with the team," he said. "I do already feel good, but there is definitely stuff I need to work on with my hamstring right now. It's more or less day-to-day, game-time decision.
"At the end of the day, I have to feel ready. I don't want to come back too early in a long season. It's something small. If you start too early, it's going to bother you for a while. You have to be careful with that."

Devils head coach Lindy Ruff echoed the same sentiment.
"He got to where we wanted to get him to. All likelihood he'll practice again (Wednesday)," Ruff said. "We'll see where he's at. But he is just day-to-day, so it was great to have him out for practice."
Hischier, 23, knew something was wrong with his hamstring during the first period against the Canadiens two weeks ago. He left for the locker room and did not return.
"I felt a little tightness and a little twitch during the first period. That's when I got off. That's how we found out what it was," Hischier said. "I felt something was off. Sure enough, there was something, so good thing I got off."
Hischier, who set franchise marks last season in goals (21), assists (39) and points (60), missed the Devils' entire preseason slate of games while working toward his recovery.
"Training camp is a big part of preparation for the season. I was definitely not happy about that," the captain said. "On the other hand, my focus was to get back as soon as possible. It couldn't have been worse timing. Now it's all about getting to team practices, getting back to playing games. that's what I'm looking forward to. I do feel pretty good already. From now on it's day-to-day."
Hamstrings can be a tricky injury. If not treated properly, there's a potential or it to linger. So Hischier and the training staff are proceeding with caution.
"It's a long season. Lots of hockey in front of us," Hischier said. "You don't want to go into the season taking something like that with you. It's really important to manage everything on and off the ice.
"I'm actually happy where I'm at right now. Just being out there was fun too," the centerman said. "It's been good though. I'm happy where I'm at."
Note:Forward Tyce Thompson (lower-body) isn't up to full speed yet, but skated Tuesday morning with a skills coach. Ruff said he's "getting better."