The Worst is Confirmed for Timo Meier in New Jersey

Bad news, Devils fans: Timo Meier will not be suiting up for New Jersey in Game 1 tonight after all. 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.