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Devils lose Brunner for at least four weeks

Anaheim Ducks v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 20: Damien Brunner #12 of the New Jersey Devils is hurt against the Anaheim Ducks during their game at the Prudential Center on December 20, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey.

Al Bello

Just a few days ago, everything seemed to be going New Jersey Devils forward Damien Brunner’s way. Before Friday’s contest, he had four goals and six points in his last four games and was talking about his regained confidence.

Then he was involved in a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mark Fistric last night.

“He’ll be out a minimum of four weeks,” Devils GM Lou Lamoriello told the Star-Ledger. “He does not need surgery.”

There’s no such thing as a good injury, but the timing is just as unfortunate for the Devils as it is for Brunner.

The team has struggled offensively, but they were close to getting a boost from the imminent return of forward Ryane Clowe (concussion). That combined with Brunner’s elevation in play might have been enough to give them an edge in the tight battle for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

New Jersey will round out its pre-Christmas schedule with road contests against the Washington Capitals tonight and the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

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