No update on Myers’ injury from the Jets until Saturday

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This article was published 13/03/2015 (3836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TAMPA – There’s no update on Tyler Myers the day after he left a game with an upper body injury, but Jets coach Paul Maurice has not ruled him out for Saturday’s match against the Tampa Bay Lighting.

Myers slid into the endboards in an awkward manner during the second period of Thursday’s 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers and did not return to the game.

The Jets held a practice in Tampa today but only nine players took to the ice while a number of them played soccer in the arena hallways. Myers was seen in streetclothes and didn’t appear any worse for wear.

“I don’t know the answer to that. Won’t have an update for you until tomorrow,” said Maurice, when asked about Myers’ status. “It’s an upper body. We have to wait to find out the results.”

The Jets have recalled defenceman Keaton Ellerby from the St. John’s IceCaps as insurance policy in case Myers cannot play Saturday.

“The report on Ellerby is really good, yes, very positive,” said Maurice. “He’s played with people here. It’s an advantage, we run the same systems there, so there shouldn’t be any of a learning curve for what he needs to do.”

Centre Bryan Little was seen on the ice but he is not expected to be a player against the Lightning. Forward Matt Halischuck is getting closer and the club indicated if his progress continues unabated he would be in the lineup Saturday night.

“If we like what we see today, we’ll clear Halischuk,” said Maurice. “He was playing well when he went down, Lots of energy. I think we’ll look at that idea, getting some fresh legs in the lineup on a long trip. But we miss that and if he’s ready to go, he gets through the skate, then he’ll have something to add.”

Only one goalie, Ondrej Pavelec, was on the ice taking shots. Hutchinson was seen in shorts and a T-shirt following a light workout.

The Jets find themselves out of the playoffs today for the first time since early December. Winnipeg has 78 points and is one point back of the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.

“You’re so much more focused right now in terms of games. The standings… this is going to be tight all the way down the stretch for all of these teams,” said Maurice. “There’s going to be wins and losses and whoever manages them the best has a chance. Didn’t spend a lot of time worrying about it or fretting about it. I think we’ve had a good sense of urgency around our room for quite some time.”

 

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Twitter: @garylawless