This Tuesday, Nov. 12, the New Jersey Devils faced off with the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The New Jersey Devils snapped the Panthers’ seven-game winning streak, defeating the 2023-2024 Stanley Cup Champions, 4-1. Leaving the first of their two games against the Panthers, with a success.
As of tonight, the New Jersey Devils remain first in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 11-6-2.
Throughout each period the Devils stayed consistent and fierce. As each period commenced, the Devils came out fast, strong, and ready to play. The Devils suffered a 1-0 loss last Sunday against the San Jose Sharks and needed to set the tone early on if they were to bounce back against the Panthers.
At 8:30 of the first period, Jack Hughes scored his eighth goal of the season, hitting 300 career points. A huge milestone for one of the Devils’ alternate captains. Hughes goal was assisted by Jesper Bratt (15) and Dougie Hamilton (12). In the first period, the Devils also had two Penalty Kills. The Devils’ Stefan Noesen received a penalty for slashing against Aaron Ekblad at 17:16 in the first — And, Brenden Dillon, a minor penalty for roughing towards Matthew Tkachuk, 18:11 in the first.
At the beginning of the second period, Paul Cotter received a penalty for high-sticking against Uvis Balinskis, just 8:21 into the second. Timo Meier scores his seventh goal of the season, with assists from Dawson Mercer (6) and Jonas Siegenthaler (6). At 10:05 in the second period, Brenden Dillon received a second penalty for fighting against Panthers, Jonah Gadjovich — both players received the 5-minute major penalty.
The third period commenced, one of the most intriguing third periods. It was unexpected for the Devils to have such an outstanding and impressive night, due to the unfortunate loss to the Sharks on Sunday. But the Devils had shown their improvement and eagerness to win despite that shutout. As the third period continued, multiple penalties were received by both teams. For the Devils, Stefan Noesen received another penalty for roughing at 12:57 against, Sam Reinhart — Reinhart also received this penalty. At 14:28 in the period, newest Devil, Brett Pesce received a minor for tripping Matthew Tkachuk. Lastly, Matthew Tkachuk received a penalty for embellishment. The Devils had 15 minutes worth of penalties, while the Panthers only had 11 minutes worth. Paul Cotter scored his seventh goal of the season, with assists made by Captain, Nico Hischier (7) and Hamilton (13) at 15:07 in the period.
As the period began to conclude, Devils second Alternative Captain, Ondrej Palat scored his third goal of the season on an empty net. Palat’s goal was assisted by right winger, Jesper Bratt (16).
The New Jersey Devils had 24 shots on goal, while the Florida Panthers had 35 on the Devils goal. The Panthers had a significant amount of more hits of 35, compared to the Devils, 25. The Panthers also won majority of face offs with a percentage of, 60.3%. The Devils only won 39.7% of face offs.
Devils goalie, Jacob Markstrom had an impressive night. Markstrom made 34 saves tonight. Markstrom continues to perform successfully throughout the Devils season. His percentage of saves tonight totals to .971% and he has only played 13 games so far this season.
The New Jersey Devils will again face the Florida Panthers, this Thursday in Sunrise, Florida at 7 p.m. The Devils then will play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, before returning back to New Jersey.
