This will be a regular feature during the Devils’ five game All-Star break. In this feature, we’ll look at overall team news, discuss individual player performances, and give expectations for the second half of the season. You can find all these articles under the “Devils At The Break” category located on the sidebar.

For the past few seasons, the New Jersey Devils dealt with significant injuries.

Two years ago, Martin Brodeur missed almost thirty games after an elbow injury. Last season, several players missed significant time, including Patrik Elias and Paul Martin. Despite those injuries, the Devils found players who could plug the holes.

An injury to Zach Parise, however, wasn’t an easy fix.

Parise, who left the ice in a game against the Los Angeles Kings on October 30, sustained a torn meniscus and will probably not return this season. For a player in a contract year, it was a blow to his bargaining power. His loss also hurt the team, eliminating one of their biggest offensive weapons.

Something wasn’t right with Parise at the beginning of the season. The Devils’ left-winger lacked that extra gear on the ice. Many attributed it to conditioning, but there was a deeper secret – Parise only had one good knee. His other, which he hurt during summer conditioning, hampered his play. Parise played on it, believing it could improve over time.

It wouldn’t. The knee continued to hamper Parise, and his play reflected it. In 12 games, he recorded only six points (three goals, three assists). The knee problem constantly plagued him, and it all came to a head during that Kings game. After a harmless check as center ice, Parise hobbled over to the bench and sat doubled-over in pain.

Since then, the void in the Devils lineup has been noticeable. The first line isn’t nearly as effective and lacks Parise’s creativity and shot. A pure goal scorer, the team lacks his quick-strike ability. And while the offense has improved, Parise would make them that much better.

The biggest player impacted from the injury was Travis Zajac. Zajac and Parise knew how each other played, and they could make amazing plays on the ice. With teams focusing on Parise, Zajac became a good first-line center. Last season, Zajac posted career highs in goals (25) and points (67). Without Parise, though, Zajac hasn’t found his offensive rhythm. Through 49 games, he only has 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists).

Parise’s injury continues to reverberate throughout the entire lineup. With impending restricted free agency looming, the organization needs to make a decision on Parise. The injury is the first major injury of Parise’s young career. But it will come into the negotiations.

After so many productive years, the Zach Attack disappeared for the season. His absence still affects the lineup, and has been one of the biggest disappointments of the Devils first half of the season.