The NHL season is heating up early, with the Florida Panthers set to take on the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. Florida, entering the game with a 3-2-0 record, faces a New Jersey team that has started the season 2-1-0. Scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, this matchup will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
Under the guidance of head coach Paul Maurice, the Panthers have shown mixed results in the early going. They currently stand 4th in the Eastern Atlantic Division. Their recent form includes a tough 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, highlighting areas where they might need to tighten up defensively.
The New Jersey Devils, coached by Sheldon Keefe, have demonstrated a solid start. Ranked 3rd in the Eastern Metropolitan Division, they are coming off a narrow 3-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. With the Devils marked as the favorites, their home advantage could play a significant role in the outcome of this game.
Devils vs Panthers At a Glance
- Game Location: Prudential Center
- Game Date & Time: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Florida Panthers Record: 3-2-0
- New Jersey Devils Record: 2-1-0
- Game Odds: New Jersey Devils favored with a MoneyLine of -157
Devils Prepare for Florida: Can New Jersey Continue Their Winning Streak?
Devils’ Offensive Outlook
The New Jersey Devils have shown a promising start to the season, with a 2-1-0 record. Dawson Mercer has been a standout player, scoring two crucial goals in the Devils’ recent victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mercer’s performance was pivotal in the team’s narrow win, demonstrating his offensive potential early in the season.
Luke Hughes, a defenseman, has also contributed significantly with four assists in just three games. His playmaking abilities have been essential in setting up scoring opportunities for the team. Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier have also added offensive depth, each tallying two goals this season.
Defensive and Goaltending Concerns
The Devils have faced challenges in their goaltending lineup with Jacob Markstrom sidelined due to a lower-body injury. Markstrom’s absence will require backup goaltender Jake Allen to step up as the starter for the upcoming games. Despite dealing with cramping, Allen is expected to play against the Florida Panthers, having been a full participant in practice.
Nico Daws has been recalled to serve as Allen’s backup, bringing a solid track record from last season. Daws achieved a 3-1-0 record with a .939 save percentage, suggesting he could provide reliable support if needed. The Devils’ defense will need to tighten up, as they have allowed an average of 3.89 goals per game this season.
Injury Impact on Forward Depth
The Devils’ forward depth has taken a hit with Zack MacEwen placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. This adds to the list of injured forwards, including Evgenii Dadonov and Stefan Noesen. Brian Halonen has been stepping in on the fourth line to fill these gaps, demonstrating his readiness to adapt to the team’s needs.
Juho Lammikko’s undisclosed injury further complicates the Devils’ forward situation, as he remains out indefinitely. The team will rely on its current roster to maintain momentum while managing these injury challenges.
Betting Trends for the Devils
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 10: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
Florida Panthers Seek Redemption Against the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils Team Overview
The New Jersey Devils are entering this game with a notable defensive presence, leading the league with a first-place ranking in hits. This physical style could present a challenge for the Panthers, especially considering the Devils’ high rank in shots on goal with 145, placing them second in the league. The Devils also hold a commendable third-place rank in goals, indicating their ability to capitalize offensively.
Offensively, the Devils have been impressive, ranking fifth in assists with 22. Their ability to move the puck and create scoring opportunities will be a focal point for the Panthers to contain. The team has demonstrated strength on the power play, scoring six power-play goals, ranking second in the league.
Key Players to Watch
One standout player for the Devils is their top scorer, who has netted 14 goals, ranking third in the league. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a significant threat on the ice. The Devils’ defenseman, leading the league in hits, will also be a key player to watch as his physical play can disrupt the Panthers’ offensive strategies.
In addition to their top scorer, the Devils’ playmaker, who ranks fifth in assists, will play a crucial role in facilitating the team’s offense. His vision and passing ability can create opportunities for the Devils to exploit any defensive lapses by the Panthers. A strong performance from the Devils’ goaltender, who has been solid between the pipes, will be pivotal in keeping the Panthers’ offense at bay.
Goaltending Outlook
The Devils’ goaltending has been reliable, with their primary goalie allowing just ten goals, ranking sixth in the league. This defensive backbone will be crucial as the Devils face a Panthers team eager to rebound from their recent losses. With 100 saves recorded, the Devils’ goalie has shown the ability to withstand offensive pressure and keep his team in contention.
Although the Devils have yet to secure a shutout this season, their goaltending remains a strength that the Panthers will need to overcome. The combination of defensive strength and goaltending provides a formidable challenge for the Panthers’ forwards.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU Last 10: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU All Games: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 3-2 (60.0%)
The Devils have shown consistency in their betting trends, particularly when playing as favorites, with a 60% success rate. Their recent performances suggest a team capable of delivering when expected. This trend, coupled with their strong defensive play, could influence betting decisions for this upcoming game.
Devils vs Panthers Prediction: Over 6.0
The New Jersey Devils enter this game with a 2-1 record, demonstrating offensive capabilities, particularly with standout performances like Dawson Mercer’s two-goal game against Columbus. However, their goaltending situation is concerning, given Jacob Markstrom’s injury and Jake Allen’s recent cramping issues. This could lead to defensive vulnerabilities, allowing more scoring opportunities for the Panthers.
On the other hand, the Florida Panthers have shown they can score, with Brad Marchand contributing offensively despite their recent 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Florida’s defense has been shaky, conceding four goals to Detroit, and with key injuries to players like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, they may struggle to contain the Devils’ attack. This sets the stage for a higher-scoring game.
Both teams are adjusting to injuries and lineup changes, which often impacts defensive consistency and can lead to an increased number of goals. The Devils have also shown a tendency to hit the over, with a 2-1 record on totals this season. With these factors in play, the offensive potential outweighs the defensive strength, suggesting the game will exceed the set total.
Given the current circumstances, expect this matchup to be a high-scoring affair. We predict the Devils will capitalize on the Panthers’ defensive struggles while Florida will exploit New Jersey’s goaltending uncertainties, resulting in a total score that surpasses the over/under line.
- Devils vs Panthers Prediction: Over 6.0
- Devils vs Panthers Score: Devils 5 – Panthers 4
