Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils Elite Prediction 3/5

The upcoming game between the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils is expected to be an interesting match, especially with the trade deadline coming up. The Panthers are currently leading the Atlantic Division with a remarkable record of 41-16-4, while the Devils have been struggling lately and lost their last two games. With a record of 30-27-4, they have now fallen to sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.

Florida Panthers Elite Analysis

The Florida Panthers are doing exceptionally well this season, with their offense stepping up and scoring an impressive 3.28 goals per game. Leading the top two lines, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Carter Verhaeghe have scored a total of 94 goals and 110 assists. But it’s not just the top players who are contributing – the rest of the offense has been great too. Barkov, Bennett, and Rodrigues have combined for 39 goals and 89 assists. Even defenseman Gustav Forsling has helped open up the offense, adding nine goals and 19 assists from the blue line. Overall, the Panthers have been strong across the board.

The team’s offense has been impressive, but the defense has been the standout performer, conceding only 2.36 goals per game. The defensive duo of Gustav Forsling and Niko Mikkola have contributed 9.8 defensive point shares and have made 180 blocked shots. The trio of Aaron Ekblad, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Dmitry Kulikov have also added depth to the defensive unit, contributing 9.5 defensive point shares.

Anthony Stolarz, the team’s goaltender, has been phenomenal with a .924 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average, having made 472 shots and saved 9.6 goals above average.

New Jersey Devils Elite Analysis

Despite the New Jersey Devils’ offense stepping up and scoring an average of 3.31 goals per game, their defense has been letting them down lately, resulting in a difficult season. Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes have been leading the top line with 42 goals and 77 assists. Additionally, the rest of the offense has stepped up with Nico Hischier, Tyler Toffoli, and Erik Haula combining for 58 goals and 60 assists. Defensemen Luke Hughes and John Marino have also contributed with 12 goals and 39 assists from the point to open up the offense.

They have allowed an average of 3.49 goals per game, and in their last two games, they have given up nine goals. While Kevin Bahl and Colin Miller have managed to earn a combined 4.3 points per game, the rest of the defensive unit has been struggling. This has allowed the opposing team to easily take shots on the net. Goaltender Nico Daws has also been struggling, with a .887 save percentage and a 3.47 goals-against average on 504 shots. He is currently at -8.3 goals saved above average.

Elite Prediction

There is no doubt that the tired legs of the Panthers will pose a significant challenge for them. However, the Devils are expected to receive a massive boost from their new coach. The Devils’ offense is predicted to exceed their season average of 3.3, and this could be the deciding factor in this game. However, I need more time to dig deeper into this game!

Be sure to sign up below for free receiving tonight’s official elite sports pick in this game sent straight to your email address!