New Jersey Devils' Travis Zajac returns after missing almost entire 2011-12 NHL season-NHL News
Finally, it was a welcome comeback from New Jersey Devils’ centre, Travis Zajac, in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, March 25, 2012, after missing most part of the season due to a lingering injury problem.
An Achilles tendon had forced Zajac to miss all but eight games in the regular season. The weekend game was his first since January 02, 2012 when he played last of his eight games of the season.
His first game of the season was on December 16, 2011. He continuously played next eight before being sidelined owing to health and fitness problems.
Zajac is said to be very excited about participation in Penguins’ game on the weekend, hoping to make a contribution to his team’s efforts for a playoff berth.
He said:
"Yeah, I'm pretty excited - it's been a long year. It's probably the best time of the year to play hockey, the end of the year and the playoffs."
The player has as many games left in the current regular season as he had already played during his previous presence in the squad.
Even before that, he had missed the training camp and other preseason activities after having an Achilles surgery in August 2011.
He is rather disappointed that the injury has forced him to miss so many games. It was rather unfortunate and freak injury for him as otherwise he has remained healthy and fit throughout his career.
He added:
"It was, as far as I'm concerned, a freak injury. I haven't had too many injuries in my career and I've been lucky that way. Coming back the second time I can kind of compare how I felt the first time.”
Zajac is optimistic this time about his long-term health and fitness.
"I'm 100 percent sure I'm healed and the Achilles is going to be the least of my worries."
Even though he said it was right time for him to return to the squad, he admitted it would be quite harder for him to adjust in the squad and adapt to the game pace.
Given the fact that only several games are left to closure of the regular season, all games are played in very competitive environment and Zajac needs extra efforts to adapt to the fast and challenging game pace.
Devils’ coach, Peter DeBoer, has confirmed the fitness of the player and his inclusion in the squad.
The official also conceded that it will be difficult for him to adjust to the squad at this time of the season, but hoped he will overcome the difficulties sooner than later.
In any case, the coach said, it was great to have the player in the line-up and expected it would boost the team’s attack line.
He said that the playoff run has become very competitive and almost all teams are in must-win situation.
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