"I felt pretty good out there," Bratt said after practice. "We'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow. I felt pretty OK this practice today. No special pain."
Thursday's was the first game Bratt has missed this season, and it was an experience he didn't enjoy.
"It was terrible," he said. "I hate to watch games, and I think everyone does. To just be there in the stands and watch the game is tough, you want to be out there and help the team win."
Whether Bratt is available or not for New Jersey's next game is still to be determined. Friday was the first practice Bratt participated in since taking a shot off his right foot against the Anaheim Ducks earlier this week.
"It's nice to see him back and see him recover quickly, which is good," said head coach John Hynes. "He had a full practice today so things all look good. But we'll give him a light skate tomorrow [to see if he's able to play in Saturday's game]."
The Devils are currently halfway through a season-long six-game homestand, during which they have gone 3-0-0. Next up, the Devils host the Chicago Blackhawks in their last game before a three-day holiday break.
"I think everyone wants to go into a holiday break on a high note," said Cory Schneider. "You don't want to have a loss or a poor game and sit on it for three or four days. We just need to keep this thing rolling. We can't lose sight of our goals."
Captain Andy Greene felt about the same.
"It's important that we come out and have the same effort and same game," Greene said. "Sometimes you can play that game and lose, but it's important we come out with a great effort, compete, and the way we play. Make sure we stick together as a team and leave it out there. Hopefully we get that 'W' and enjoy it for two or three days."
The Devils host the Blackhawks at 7 p.m. on Saturday night before the NHL's holiday break, which lasts from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26.
