Good evening Devils fans. Tonight, the Devils (1-0-1) take on last year’s Eastern Conference champions, the Florida Panthers (0-2-0.) Here’s a breakdown of how the teams compare:

Devils Lines (Based on 10/15 Practice):

Meier-Hischier-Palat
Toffoli-J. Hughes-Bratt
Mercer-Haula-Holtz
Lazar-Mcleod-Bastian

Sieganthaler-Hamilton
Bahl-Marino
Smith-L. Hughes

Vanacek - Starter
Schmid

Gametime Injuries (Non-IR): Tomas Nosek

Panthers Lines (Per Daily Faceoff):

Reinhart-Barkov-Rodrigues
Verhaeghe-Luostarinen-Tkachuk
Cousins-Lundell-Sourdif
Lomberg-Stenlund-Lorentz

Forsling-Ekman-Larsson
Mikkola-Kulikov
Mahura-Balinskis

Bobrovsky - Starter
Stolarz

Gametime Injuries (Non-IR): None

3 Keys to the Game

1. Stabilize the Backend

The Black and Red don’t have a ton of trouble scoring goals. They lack scoring depth but can get the job done offensively, particularly with the Hughes line and on the power play. Their most important job tonight will be to shut down the Panther attacks. Whether it is clearing out chances, isolating rushes, or better mark-up management, the Devils will need to make sure that a desperate-to-win Panthers team doesn’t get their spark they desperately crave. Come out strong and fast in the first period, set the tone, and don’t leave Vanacek alone.

2. Timo Time Needs to Arrive

The Swiss winger remains with one of his two linemates intact from last game in countryman Nico Hischier. New linemate Palat cracks back into top 6 line time and they need to produce results. We appreciate the pay cut he took to help the overall cap situation for the long term goals of the organization. That being said, he’s still making $8.8M and needs to produce accordingly.

3. Ice Rodrigues

Veteran forward Evan Rodrigues is on track for a solid year at 4P (2G, 2A) in 2 GP. He’s playing top line minutes on a Panthers team trying to get back to their winning ways from last season. He’ll be the one to keep an eye out for. Put him in the line of focus defensively and the Devils can stall the Florida offense enough to create some chances of their own.

What are your thoughts? Predictions on the game?

Leave your thoughts and comments below. Raise Hell,

-Josh Biringer

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