Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils Prediction

Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils Game Analysis | 03.03.26 | NHL

In a pivotal regular-season matchup, the Florida Panthers (30-27-3) are set to face the New Jersey Devils (29-29-2) on March 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST at the Prudential Center in Newark. This contest features two teams hovering around the .500 mark, battling for crucial points in the Eastern Conference standings. The outcome of this game could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.

Florida Panthers Team Performance

The Florida Panthers enter this game with a slightly better record, reflecting a season of competitive, yet often inconsistent, play. Their offense has been largely driven by star forward Sam Reinhart, whose prolific scoring has been a consistent bright spot. However, the team’s overall performance has been hampered by a lack of secondary scoring depth and recent injury woes. Defensively, the Panthers have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with the veteran presence of Aaron Ekblad and the potential of Seth Jones, but their ability to maintain consistency over 60 minutes remains a challenge. Goaltending, anchored by Sergei Bobrovsky, will be critical for a team looking to solidify its defensive structure.

Florida Panthers Key Players

Points: Sam Reinhart (57)
Goals: Sam Reinhart (28)
Assists: Sam Reinhart (29)

Injury Report Florida Panthers

Seth Jones (Injured reserve): Jones (upper body) was moved from regular IR to long-term injured reserve Monday, per PuckPedia.
Jonah Gadjovich (Injured reserve): Gadjovich (upper body) is not expected to return until after the Olympic break, Jameson Olive of the Panthers’ official site reports Monday.

New Jersey Devils Team Performance

The New Jersey Devils find themselves at a crossroads, with an even record highlighting their struggles with consistency. Despite possessing a dynamic young core led by Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, the Devils have often failed to translate their offensive potential into sustained wins. Their defense has been a point of concern, with lapses allowing opponents too many high-danger chances. Goaltending, shared between Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom, will need to be sharp to contain Florida’s top offensive threats. The team’s ability to capitalize on home ice and play a disciplined, structured game will be key to overcoming their recent inconsistencies.

New Jersey Devils Key Players

Points: Nico Hischier (43)
Goals: Nico Hischier (20)
Assists: Jesper Bratt (30)

Injury Report New Jersey Devils

Zack MacEwen (Injured reserve): MacEwen had knee surgery and will be lost for the remainder of the season, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News reports Saturday.

Prediction: Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils

Considering the current form and injury situations, the Florida Panthers are predicted to emerge victorious. While both teams have shown inconsistency, the Panthers’ slightly better record and the offensive firepower of Sam Reinhart, even with key injuries, give them a slight edge. Given the tight nature of recent matchups between these two teams and the importance of the points, a low-scoring affair is anticipated. The total goals prediction is under, considering the line 5.5.

Last 5 Games: FLA

Form:

LLWLW

VS @ New York

L 5-4

PTS 30-27-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Tkachuk

VS vs Buffalo

L 3-2

PTS 30-26-3

GOL Tarasov

AST Tarasov

VS vs Toronto

W 5-1

PTS 30-25-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Bobrovsky

VS @ Tampa Bay

L 6-1

PTS 29-25-3

GOL Tarasov

AST Samoskevich

VS vs Boston

W 5-4 SO

PTS 29-24-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Lundell

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ New York	L 5-4	30-27-3	Bobrovsky	Tkachuk
vs Buffalo	L 3-2	30-26-3	Tarasov	Tarasov
vs Toronto	W 5-1	30-25-3	Bobrovsky	Bobrovsky
@ Tampa Bay	L 6-1	29-25-3	Tarasov	Samoskevich
vs Boston	W 5-4 SO	29-24-3	Bobrovsky	Lundell

Last 5 Games: NJ

Form:

WLLLL

VS @ St. Louis

W 3-1

PTS 29-29-2

GOL Markstrom

AST Markstrom

VS @ Pittsburgh

L 4-1

PTS 28-29-2

GOL Markstrom

AST Markstrom

VS vs Buffalo

L 2-1

PTS 28-28-2

GOL Allen

AST Meier

VS vs New York

L 3-1

PTS 28-27-2

GOL Allen

AST Hischier

VS vs Columbus

L 3-0

PTS 28-26-2

GOL Markstrom

AST Markstrom

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ St. Louis	W 3-1	29-29-2	Markstrom	Markstrom
@ Pittsburgh	L 4-1	28-29-2	Markstrom	Markstrom
vs Buffalo	L 2-1	28-28-2	Allen	Meier
vs New York	L 3-1	28-27-2	Allen	Hischier
vs Columbus	L 3-0	28-26-2	Markstrom	Markstrom

Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils Prediction | NHL 03.03.26