The Devils managed to grab a point against a revamped Florida Panthers team that’s considered to be one of the best in the Eastern Conference this season. Florida outshot New Jersey 16-7 and had 14 scoring chances as opposed to 4 from the Devils in the third period. If not for Cory Schneider, New Jersey probably wouldn’t have made it to overtime. He was in midseason form stopping 32 of 34 shots he faced, including a number of quality scoring chances in the third period.

If not for a bad third period, the Devils played a decent game. Scoring chances were tied 7-7 and shot attempts were 30-27 in favor of Florida after two periods. The Devils held their own against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference for a good portion of the game, so that’s one positive to take away from last night.

Game Notes

• Damon Severson had a couple of rough moments. He made some bad turnovers including the one that led to Aleks Barkov’s game winning goal in overtime. Severson is their best option on the first defensive pair, so there’s no need to panic and move him down a line. John Hynes will just have to let him adjust to his new role over the next few games.

• It was a tough night for Devante Smith-Pelly. He was -11 in shot attempts at 5v5, the worst of any Devils forward. He doesn’t have the skill or speed to play with Henrique or Hall. He’s best suited in a third/fourth line role where he can use his size and physicality to create scoring chances. That’s where he’ll be most successful.

• Pavel Zacha looked like an NHL regular last night. He made a nice play that allowed Auvitu to set up a slap shot that deflected off P.A. Parenteau for a goal. Zacha also showed his two-way game by making a nice play on Jaromir Jagr in overtime that prevented a goal. It was a good start to the season for the Devils top prospect.

• P.A. Parenteau got off to a nice start, notching the Devils lone goal of the game. He had good possession numbers and found himself playing with Hall and Henrique in the final minutes of the 3rd period. Don’t be surprised if he starts Saturday’s game on the first line.

• Yohann Auvitu looked pretty good in his NHL regular season debut. He tallied an assist on P.A. Parenteau’s goal and played fairly well alongside Kyle Quincey. The duo was the only defensive pair to finish with positive shot differentials in the game.