The New Jersey Devils lost 4-3 to the Rangers on Friday night at the Garden. With the loss, came another injury to the organization.

Starting goaltender Kevin Weekes, apparently Brodeur was still unavailable, collided with his own teammate Johnny Oduya after Sean Avery drive hard for a rebound and knocked Oduya into Weekes. He was immediately removed from the game as a result, just over six minutes into the first period. His replacement

The Bergen Record reports that Weekes' injury was a possible concussion. But, GM Lou Lamoriello claims that he will be fine.

"But the Devils backup goaltender's status is uncertain now after sustaining a probable concussion in a collision caused by Rangers agitator Sean Avery in the first period of Friday night's 4-3 preseason loss to the Blueshirts at Madison Square Garden."

The New New York Post determined that Weekes will be okay, based on an interview with head coach Brent Sutter...
"Weekes, hit on the head by Oduya, then by the right post, spent five minutes held immobile on the ice, then was helped to the dressing room in obvious distress, done for the night. Weekes was not hospitalized and will be fine, according to Sutter."

Two points, in my opinion. One, this is a preseason hockey contest between two rivalries nonetheless. I expect players to try and score no doubt but not do what Avery did last night. Not only did he interfere with the goaltender, but he injured an opposing goalie in a preseason game. I hope and pray that Weekes, who had started his third consecutive preseason game last night, has a full recovery. From what I have been reading, that seems to be the case. Then again, Lamoriello may want to keep the press out of the locker room for the time being.

Weekes suffered a neck injury that could have been more serious. It did not look pretty. That is for sure.

Secondly, I like the fact that the Devils retaliated for Avery's vicious, possible dirty hit. Avery is known for being a physical player, but if this was deliberate, payback better be a bitch. Newcomer Vitaly Vishnevski gave Avery a solid crosscheck from behind while the Rangers were on the power play. He did receive a two-minute minor, but well deserved.

At least, that is what the Star Ledger believes as well.

"From that point on, there was a bull's-eye on Avery's new lightweight jersey. Newly signed Devils defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski cross-checked Avery hard from behind while in front of the net during a Rangers power play midway through the opening period and then slammed the Rangers pest into the boards just over nine minutes later.

Vishnevski's cross-check gave the Rangers a two-man power-play advantage and Ryan Callahan gave them a 2-0 lead by scoring on the five-against-three at 12:57. Dane Byers had scored a power-play goal for the Rangers at 1:53 of the period."

MY ACTUAL RECAP for the Devils/Rangers game last night. Sorry about the tandency.

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