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