Haula did not play in the third period of the Devils' last game versus the Sabres.
Haula did not play in the third period of the Devils' last game versus the Sabres.
NEWARK, N.J. -- The injuries continue to accrue for the New Jersey Devils. Veteran Erik Haula was one of three forwards who did not participate in this morning's team practice at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House, along with Timo Meier and Tomas Nosek.
Haula was injured during the team's 7-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night. He played a team-low 9:30, earning an assist on Alexander Holtz's goal.
It is unclear when the injury occurred, and after the team's practice, head coach Lindy Ruff provided the following update.
"We're still evaluating him. It doesn't look like he'll be available (Tuesday night) with not practicing today. We'll see where he's at."
As Devils team reporter Sam Kasan pointed out, Haula believes a player needs one good practice before returning from an injury.
In the last game, Haula skated on a line with Michael McLeod and Holtz. The latter two stayed together this morning, with Curtis Lazar replacing Haula.
In 18 games, the Pori, Finland native has 12 points (six goals, six assists) and a faceoff win percentage of 53.4.
The Devils continue to be without Timo Meier (lower body) and Tomas Nosek (upper body). Lazar missed the team's last game versus Buffalo but should be in the lineup versus the Islanders.
"It was just a good old-fashioned Charlie Horse," Lazar said after practice. "I'm good to go now."
"I didn't talk to (Lazar) after practice," Ruff said. "The fact that he did practice tells me he got through it good. Sometimes, you can have a setback. We'll see where he's at. The fact that he was able to go full practice and full contact is a good sign."