Panthers Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against the Devils
The Florida Panthers are on a roll, riding the momentum of a seven-game winning streak as they prepare to host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night in Sunrise, Florida. But don’t expect the Panthers to get complacent just yet.
Panthers Staying Focused Amid Streak
Despite the hot streak, forward Sam Bennett emphasized that the team isn’t getting caught up in the hype. “We don’t really look at the streaks, just try and treat each game the same,” Bennett said. “We’re good at getting up for games that are tough to get up for and playing the same style of hockey. We’ve done a great job during this stretch.”
Bennett has been one of Florida’s key contributors, racking up 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 15 games. Only Sam Reinhart has more goals (11) and points (23) on the team. Reinhart, who is currently on a seven-game point streak (six goals, five assists), has also been a thorn in New Jersey’s side, scoring four goals against the Devils last season to help Florida take two out of three games in their series.
Panthers’ Offense Firing on All Cylinders
The Panthers’ offense has been clicking, with Evan Rodrigues playing a crucial role. Rodrigues had two assists before netting the decisive shootout goal in Saturday’s 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Meanwhile, captain Aleksander Barkov has been a playmaking force since returning from injury, with two goals and nine assists since late October.
In net, Sergei Bobrovsky has been rock-solid, winning his last five starts. After a rough outing against the Minnesota Wild on October 22, Bobrovsky has found his groove, bringing a stellar career record of 20-7-1 against the Devils into Tuesday’s game.
Devils Looking to Bounce Back
On the other side, the New Jersey Devils are hoping to regain their rhythm after a frustrating 1-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Former Devils goalie Mackenzie Blackwood was a brick wall, stopping all 44 shots New Jersey threw his way. Before that loss, the Devils had been on a tear, winning five of their previous six games.
“They’ve got a fast, skilled team, and they have been playing well of late,” said Devils backup goalie Jake Allen. “It’s going to be a tough test this week, a tough challenge.”
Jesper Bratt, who leads New Jersey in assists (14) and points (19), came close to changing the game with a breakaway attempt in the second period against San Jose but was denied. Jack Hughes, who has been on fire with back-to-back three-point games recently, will look to hit the 300-point milestone for his career against Florida.
Key Matchup: Bobrovsky vs. Markstrom
Tuesday’s game will feature a showdown between two in-form goaltenders. Sergei Bobrovsky is on a five-game win streak, while Devils No. 1 goaltender Jacob Markstrom has been sharp, winning four of his last five starts with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. Markstrom’s history against Florida is a mixed bag, posting a 5-5-1 record with a 3.08 GAA in 11 games.
Today’s NHL Picks Are In! Get your game plan with NHL expert picks today.
Special Teams Could Tip the Balance
The Devils have been excellent on the penalty kill, successfully killing off 19 straight penalties. This could prove crucial against a Panthers team that thrives on creating offensive pressure. The Devils will need to maintain that defensive discipline if they want to snap Florida’s winning streak.
Can the Panthers Keep Rolling?
Florida will have the advantage of home ice and the confidence of a seven-game win streak, but the Devils are eager to bounce back and prove they can hang with one of the hottest teams in the league. With both teams boasting dynamic offenses and strong goaltending, this matchup promises to be an exciting showdown.
Will the Panthers extend their winning streak to eight games, or will the Devils find a way to spoil the party in Sunrise? One thing’s for sure—this game has all the ingredients for a thriller.