Gionta and Salvador hope to play Sunday; no goalie decision yet

Right wing Brian Gionta said he just had the wind knocked out of him on that second period hit from Derek Meech and was held out of the remainder of tonight’s game for a "precautionary reasons".

Bryce Salvador was hit on the back of the left foot with a shot from teammate John Madden – just before Marian Hossa’s second goal of the night.

Both players said they hope to play in Sunday night’s home game against Edmonton.

 

"We'll evaluate things in the morning I guess," Gionta said.

 

When I asked Salvador if he would play tomorrow, he replied, “Yeah. I can walk and put all my weight on it, so it’s a good sign.”

Neither player played in the third period of tonight's 3-1 loss to the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. The Devils were already missing six players due to injury before they went down.

Gionta was knocked off balance by Meech’s hit and when hard into the end boards with 7:40 left in the second period.

“We were just racing for the puck and got tangled up,” Gionta said. “We bumped into each other and I went to the boards along the ice the wrong way.”

The right side of Gionta’s head and his right shoulder hit the boards hard, but he insisted he did not have a head or shoulder injury.

“It just kind of compressed the whole (body), knocked the wind out of you kind of thing,” Gionta said.

Gionta insisted he did not get knocked woozy, though it appeared that way when he finally got up and skated slowly off the ice.

“I feel good,” he said.

Then, why was he held out of the remainder of the game?

“Precautionary,” Gionta said, “just to make sure with everything that’s going on.”

Gionta did appear to be fine and have all of his wits after the game.

Salvador actually joined the offensive rush when he was hit by Madden’s shot in the back of his left foot. “It took his legs right from under him,” Madden said.

Salvador tried to get to the bench, but the Red Wings went down and scored their second goal – the eventual game winner - on the resulting 2-on-1 rush with Colin White back as the sole Devils’ defender.

“I just took a shot and it kind of acted up a bit, so we just wanted to make sure we iced it, so I would be good for tomorrow,” Salvador said. “It just got me in the right spot, but now it feels real good. I’m walking on it, so that’s a real positive. It didn’t swell up.”

It is the same leg Salvador injured last season. That turned out to be a fractured fibula. Salvador said this was his foot.

“It’s the same foot,” he said. “So I don’t know. I guess I need one more strike on that foot. It’s good, though. I’m walking on it and I’m really encouraged by that. Hopefully, I’ll play tomorrow.”

 

***

Devils coach Brent Sutter insisted after the game that he has not decided yet if Kevin Weekes or Scott Clemmensen will start Sunday against Edmonton.

 

"I've got to think about it on the plane," Sutter said. "I don't want to tell you anything because I really don't know. But Weeksie didn't really get a lot of action tonight, but you know two games in two nights, traveling back. I've got to look at all that and I'll decide in the morning what we're going to do." 

 

Clemmensen said he has not heard anything about whether he is playing.

***

Sorry I didn't get you any updates during the game. I was having internet trouble. There was no word from the Devils on either injury until after the game anyway.

Comments

[modnarm]

so TG, is being a sports journalist how u make a living or do u have other things that u do? Decent pay? just curious.

[JerseyLove]

Oh thank the Lord. I was about ready to cry...

[Brick]

That's a relief.

[Dan]

Gionta looked like he hadn't a clue what planet he was on after that hit.

[rob]

and marty's injury was just a bruise

[Dan]

Yeah Rob I agree. Brian's head probably fell off or something.

[JerseyLove]

Gionta definitely looked woozy to me. Who's he trying to kid?

I just wanna get wasted...

[TG]

Gionta appeared to have all of his wits after the game, if that means anything.

[HF]

Get Shanny!!!

[jules]

Sounds good, as long as he doesn't have any concussion symptoms later.

[JerseyLove]

So, do you think he'll remember how to shoot at the net; not wide, or the goalie's belly?
Naw, who am I kidding?

[JS]

TG,

Do me a favor and find out what is going on with Kevin Cormier, right now he is not listed on trenton devils roster. Is he Hurt?

Thank You!

[Shari]

I know You are just reporting what You were told and i'm not doubting what you say TG, but given the state of injury reporting lately, i'll believe they are ok when and if they hit the ice tomorrow night. I'm hoping all is well though. Have a safe flight back TG.

[Michael Woldman (Cowutopia)]

Thanks for the info TG, as always we really appreciate your reporting. I was listening to WFAN and they mentioned you and the other area bloggers. They were interviewing a Rangers blogger, who said that the fans really enjoy the blogs because of the four sports we get the least media coverage and are incredibly rabid fans, and that's entirely true. I appreciate every bit of news you send your way!

[Mike Ashmore]

I'll save TG the trouble on the Cormier question...Cormier is with the team, but is injured. There has been no timetable set for his return, and the details of his injury have not been disclosed.

Perhaps TG could ask around about getting some more talent down here in Trenton...another brutal, brutal loss tonight.

[JoeDevs]

A good effort which should carry into the game vs Edmonton.

[aarrgghhhh]

Gionta really shouldn't be getting on a plane. Hope they aren't screwing this up and PCS shows up a couple of weeks from now.

[TeGraxe]

Travis Zajic is the most anononomous player game in and game out. The only time we see him is in the penalty box. This guy SUCKS and lets cut ties..,.

[TeGraxe]

When will we see the GREAT GREAT Travis Zajac... The guy is a bust and lets start looking... Who can we shop this mistake to...

[njdave]

Zajac plays like he is still in college haha

[Falcone]

TeGraxe and njdave-
Are you both serious? Are we watching the same player? Zajac has done a complete 360 from last season, is feeding Zack left and right, is applying constant pressure on the other team's goalie, forechecks and is racking up points. Travis is one of the best players on the ice for us night in and night out.

Still we should get Shanny. We need to reinforce injured players.

[njdev23]

Shanny? No thanks. The last thing the Devils need is another old player!