The New Jersey Devils, a team already strapped for scoring with a league-worst 2.21 goals for per game, could be facing a difficult reality as they continue to chase a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
According to reports, 33-year-old Michael Cammalleri could be done for the season with a hand injury that earlier this month resulted in the Devils putting him on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 26.
Hynes: "He's not close (to returning)." Cammalleri is skating on his own without a stick.
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) February 26, 2016
John Hynes confirms Mike Cammalleri had a setback and could be out for the rest of the season with bad right hand/wrist.
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) February 26, 2016
The news comes with the Devils -- a team that relies heavily on the quality goaltending of Cory Schneider, who has the fourth highest number of saves among NHL goalies -- just one point back of Pittsburgh for the final Wild Card spot in the East.
The Penguins have three games in hand.
Cammalleri was leading New Jersey in points (38 points in 42 games) when he was placed on IR. He also had a team-best 3.14 goals-for per 60 minutes rating at five-on-five, and the possibility he could be done for the season would present a huge loss for a team that already struggles to score.