Devils get a needed defensive return before playoffs

Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton is in the lineup Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings, per a team announcement. The defender has missed the past 18 games due to a lower body injury he sustained on March 4 against the Dallas Stars. He has recovered quicker than expected after it was originally thought he would miss the remainer of the regular season.

According to an NHL release, Hamilton has been skating on his own the past three weeks and participated in warmups prior to Sunday’s game against the Islanders. Wednesday, he has slotted right back into the team’s top pairing alongside Brenden Dillon.

On the season, the offensive-minded defender has put up nine goals, 31 assists and 40 points in 63 games. He has added 81 blocked shots, 74 hits, a plus-nine rating, and has averaged 19:48 of total ice time per game on the year. In his career, the 31-year-old has scored 501 points in 834 career games.

Prior to the game, Devils coach Sheldon Keefe noted how hard Hamilton has worked to get ahead of schedule and back into the lineup. He added that Hamilton was, “Excited to go.”

New Jersey will finish third in the Metropolitan Division and will play the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. Hamilton’s return and ability to shake off a little rust should support the Devils’ efforts in the playoffs. In 66 career playoff games, Hamilton has posted 29 points.