New Jersey Devils Timo Meier a game-time-decision ahead of Game 1

New Jersey Devils coach Lindy Ruff said forward Timo Meier will be a game-time decision ahead of the team’s first game of the second round on Monday evening against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Meier was injured by a big hit by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba in Game 7 on Monday. Meier Trouba’s shoulder collided with Meier’s head, with the former San Jose Sharks forward having his head down on the play. Meier left the game but did return to watch the rest of the 4-0 series-clinching victory.

Meier participated in the morning skate with the Devils donning a full face shield.

Acquired from San Jose ahead of the trade deadline, Meier has struggled to produce in the playoffs with no points through seven games. He had nine goals and 14 points in 21 games in a top-six role with the Devils down the stretch after putting up 31 goals and 52 points with the Sharks. It marked Meier’s first 40-goal season of his career.

The 26-year-old has 42 playoff games to his credit, scoring seven goals and 20 points. His best run was with the Sharks in 2019 when he had 15 points in 20 games.

The Devils trailed 2-0 to start the opening-round series against the Rangers but ultimately advanced with a big Game 7 win. They’ll kick the second round off in Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET. The Devils went 2-1-1 against Carolina this year, giving them a slight edge in the season series.