Timo Meier injury update Devils winger exits Game 7 vs. Rangers after massive hit from Jacob Troub

The Devils were already playing like a team with a fire lit under them on Monday night, jumping out to a 2-0 lead over the Rangers in Game 7 of their cro stown playoff series, and a hit by New York defensemen Jacob Trouba might have only added to that fire. Trouba crushed Devils winger Timo Meier in the third period, delivering a ma sive hit that sent the former Sharks star to the ice for more than a few seconds. Jacob Trouba with a hit on Timo Meier in the middle of the ice B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) The head-on collision was ruled to be legal, as officials did not penalize Trouba, but New Jersey will be mi sing a key piece if Meier is forced to mi s any time as a result of the hit. MORE: Meier scored 40 goals in the regular season, including nine in 21 games with the Devils. His lack of production in the series against the Jalen Brunson Jersey Rangers has been a storyline as New Jersey tried to advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Meier has been held without a point in each game, though his track record indicates the Devils could very much use him going forward. Here's what we know about Meier's status after the hit from Trouba. Timo Meier injury update Meier was down on the ice for an extended stretch after the hit before heading back to the Devils' locker room. Fortunately, he was able to return to the bench later in the period with New Jersey leading 4-0. Timo Meier is back on the NJ bench Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) Trouba may not have been aiming for Meier's head, or for Meier at all, but intent doesn't matter. Meier took a direct shot to the head from Trouba's shoulder, and he'll likely be feeling the effects even if he's not forced to mi s any time. Devils coach Lindy Ruff didn't have an update on Meier after the game but admitted it looked like Trouba made contact with his head. Ruff said no update on Timo Meier after the Trouba hit. I thought there was contact with the head but Id have to look at it again. Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) With the Devils set to start their series against the Hurricanes on Wednesday in Carolina, Ruff said that Meier will travel with the team to Carolina. However, he did not have any update and that he will know more on Wednesday. Meier will travel with the team to Carolina this afternoon Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) A significant head injury would cost Meier some time. That he was able to return to the bench before the end of the game was a positive sign that Meier might have avoided a worst-case scenario. Jason Kidd Jersey