Devils Lose Tomas Nosek in Loss to Rangers
Tomas Nosek did not return after taking a hit from Jacob Trouba.
Oct 13, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Arizona Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) makes a save through a screen by New Jersey Devils left wing Tomas Nosek (92) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports - Devils Lose Tomas Nosek in Loss to RangersNEWARK, N.J. -- It's been a tough start to the season for New Jersey Devils forward Tomas Nosek, who left Saturday night's game versus the Rangers in the first period after taking a hit from Jacob Trouba.
With over six minutes left in the opening frame, Nosek received a pass from Nathan Bastian. The 31-year-old looked down to kick the puck up to his stick when Trouba delivered the hit.
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He landed near Igor Shesterkin's net and used the cage to stabilize himself after the hit. The Rangers' goaltender looked concerned as the Devils' forward attempted to skate towards the bench. After a few strides, he fell to his knees and needed an athletic trainer to come out to tend to him. Curtis Lazar also skated over and helped his teammate to the bench.
Nosek headed right down the tunnel, and in the second period, the team announced he would not return due to an upper-body injury. There was no penalty called on the play.
The former Boston Bruins forward sustained a lower-body injury in his team's game versus the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 13. It is unclear what caused the injury as Nosek finished the game. It was reported he was day-to-day but was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 23 retroactive to Oct. 13.
After missing ten games, he returned to action on Nov. 10 versus the Washington Capitals. Ahead of his return, he met with the media and could not hide his excitement about rejoining his teammates on the ice.
"(I'm) feeling good, first skate with the boys," Nosek said. "It was exciting to join the group again. It feels good to be back. ...I'm ready to play. I'm just waiting for coach to put me in."
After the team's 5-3 loss to the Rangers on Saturday night, head coach Lindy Ruff said, "Nosek was kind of defenseless on the play, bent over and trying to keep control. There were a lot of hits both ways. Look at McLeod's hit on their guy. It was a tough physical game."
The Devils are off Sunday. An update could be provided after the team's Monday practice in Newark. New Jersey has Chris Tierney and Max Willman as options if the versatile forward has to miss extended time.