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Matchup Overview
Despite the previous two times these teams played being just before the Panthers took off in the standings (and never looked back), the outcomes in each game were completely lopsided. After winning 4-2 in their initial matchup, the Panthers turned the tables against New Jersey when they met 11 days later. Florida made out with a 5-1 victory, which at the time was the largest margin the Devils were defeated by. The Panthers took off since then and are poised to making their first playoff appearance since 2012. The Devils as we all know, are in a very different situation. Their playoff hopes are more reliant on luck at this point rather than their play, to carry them into the postseason like the Panthers. Florida is neck-in-neck with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Since November, the Panthers have gone 9-3-3 against Metropolitan Division teams, but have only won once in the last six of these matchups.
This game is clearly more important to the Devils than the Panthers. -Getty Images
The Devils will finish out their 2015-2016 season playing against Atlantic Division teams. This is the second of six consecutive contests where New Jersey will play every Atlantic Division team except the Habs and Senators. The biggest story surrounding tonight’s game is the status of goaltender Cory Schneider, who was recently activated off injured reserve. The all-star goaltender has been sidelined since March 4th and missed 11 games, over which the Devils went 6-4-1. While the Devils already put themselves in a hole at the time Schneider went down, the team had multiple opportunities to minimize their point margin, which is where having Cory in nets could have made a difference. Goaltending aside, two factors that will weigh heavily on the outcome of tonight’s contest are going to be the balance of five-on-five and special team playing time. While the Panthers have generated most of their offense five-on-five, they’ve struggled mightily on special teams this season, where they’re currently in the bottom-ten for both categories. The Devils are faced with an entirely different situation so one way that can translate to a victory for the Devils tonight is if they stay disciplined, try to draw penalties, and follow through on any chances they get in Florida’s zone. Simply put, the Devils can’t come out sluggish tonight, especially against this young dynamic Panthers team.
Who and what to watch
Devils goaltending…With Scott Wedgewood being returned to Albany, it enabled the Devils to activate Schneider off injured reserve after he was cleared to play by doctors. He’s likely to be well-rested, and will be the backbone behind any miraculous improbable run this team could make to the postseason. Schneider was in net for both previous contests against the Panthers this season, both of which took place in New Jersey.
Nick Bjugstad…With Trocheck going down to injury, this will open an opportunity for Bjugstad, who has struggled since returning from his own injury. I’m sure Panthers Head Coach Girard Gallant would love to see one of his top forwards gain some offensive momentum as his team heads into the playoffs. He only has three goals in his last 19 games, but could find an offensive spark with the added responsibility that’ll be evenly bestowed on him and the rest of Florida’s top forwards.
Where to watch
MSG +2 (Local)
FS-F (Florida)
When to watch
7:30pm EST