The Florida Panthers are set to face the New Jersey Devils in their first back-to-back matchup of the season. This game will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Currently, the Panthers hold a record of 3-2-0 and are coming off consecutive losses, including a 5-2 defeat against the Philadelphia Flyers and a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
Panthers’ Recent Performance
In their latest game against the Red Wings, the Panthers struggled to generate offense, managing only 22 shots on goal. Head coach Paul Maurice noted that the team has not yet reached its potential. “We’re still not quite at our level in a couple areas,” he said, emphasizing the need for improvement.
- Brad Marchand scored the lone goal for Florida against Detroit.
- The Panthers trailed by just one goal in both recent losses.
- Daniil Tarasov is expected to start as the goaltender against the Devils after a promising debut.
Key Players for the Panthers
Brad Marchand has been a bright spot for the Panthers, scoring in each of the last three games and tying Anton Lundell for the team lead in points with five. Other notable players include A.J. Greer, who leads the team with 19 hits, and Lundell, who has an impressive faceoff win rate of 58.7%.
Devils’ Home Opener
The Devils are coming off a successful three-game road trip, where they posted a 2-1-0 record. In their last game, Dawson Mercer scored twice, leading New Jersey to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Devils’ goaltender, Jake Allen, performed well in relief of the injured Jacob Markstrom, stopping 23 of 24 shots.
- Jesper Bratt and Luke Hughes each have four points, leading the Devils in scoring.
- Mercer and Timo Meier have each contributed two goals for the team.
- The Devils are currently preparing for their home opener against the Panthers.
Recent Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Panthers’ penalty kill success | 93.3% (14-for-15) |
| Brad Marchand’s shots on goal | 16 |
| Anton Lundell’s faceoff win percentage | 58.7% |
| Gustav Forsling’s plus-minus rating | +3 |
As both teams prepare for this exciting matchup, the Panthers aim to secure their first road win of the season. “Next game comes fast,” said forward Eetu Luostarinen, highlighting the urgency and focus needed as they look to bounce back.
This back-to-back duel promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Panthers take on the Devils in Newark.
