The Worst is Confirmed for Timo Meier in New Jersey

The Devils begin their second round matchup this evening against the Carolina Hurricanes without their star Swiss forward, after he'd been a game-time decision earlier today.

A much-hyped trade acquisition for the Devils back in late February, Meier suffered an injury after being on the receiving end of a bone-crushing hit from Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba on Monday.

Though Meier participated in the Devils' morning skate today, he did so while wearing a full face shield. His decision not to play only came around 6:30 P.M. E.T., a little more than half an hour before puck drop.

It's not clear how much this will limit the Devils tonight offensively, as Meier has yet to notch a single point after seven games in their playoff run. But given he's a three-time 30-goal scorer, there's no denying he'd have been capable of making an impact against the Canes.