EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -New Jersey Devils captain Patrik Elias will be sidelined for the first game of the second-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday because of a lingering cold.
"Patrik was here this morning and he will not be in the lineup," Devils coach Lou Lamoriello said after the team's morning skate. "He is much better. The way he feels, he'll skate tomorrow and be ready for Saturday."
Elias, a left wing who had 21 goals and 48 assists this season, developed a cold over the weekend and missed practices Tuesday and Wednesday. He was not immediately available for comment.
Lamoriello would not say who would replace Elias on the line with Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. Erik Rasmussen skated with them Wednesday, and David Clarkson may be another option.
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