The New Jersey Devils had a few big games to begin the season. They opened against the Carolina Hurricanes and then faced the Tampa Bay Lightning before meeting the Columbus Blue Jackets. They enter their home opener with a 2-1 record but their biggest test yet, or at least that’s what it looks like. 

This isn’t the same Florida Panthers team that won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. The injuries and the 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers are a testament to that. However, they are still the standard in the NHL and the team the Devils want to chase. They can measure themselves against the Panthers and the forward unit in particular. 

The Multiple Layers of Both Forward Units

The Panthers come at teams in waves. It’s what made their forward unit not only good, but dominant. Their third line in the playoffs, which featured Anton Lundell and Brad Marchand, stood out and was tough to stop (that line is a top line for most teams in the NHL).  

Along with the talent was the style of play. The Panthers could win all types of games. They scored, defended, beat teams on the rush, and played the heavier game. The Panthers have a forward unit that can adjust and win any type of game, and it’s why it’s the best in the NHL, even without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. 

The Devils are building a forward group that can do that as well. They already have the skill but they are looking to do it all. A player like Connor Brown helps the cause, and so does Cody Glass, who has stepped up as a two-way center in the bottom six. 

Depth Stepping Up

The pleasant surprise from the Devils is seeing the depth step up. Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt lead the top line and usually carry the offense. Timo Meier scored a goal and Dawson Mercer had two in the recent 3-2 win over the Blue Jackets. 

Timo Meier of the New Jersey DevilsTimo Meier is a key part of the forward unit. Timo Meier. Photo via Getty Images

It’s not just them but the rest of the forward unit has looked great as well. Evgenii Dadonov has been out with an injury, and in his place, Arseny Gritsyuk has stepped up, assisting one of Mercer’s goals with a centering pass on the rush. It’s why the Devils can take a big leap this season. 

The Devils are seen as a good team that can be at the top of the Metropolitan Division. They aren’t seen as a team that can win the Cup. The forward unit is allowing them to make the case for it. 

Where The Devils Can Edge The Panthers

With Barkov out of the lineup, the Panthers are searching for a Selke Trophy-caliber center. They have a Selke-caliber winger with Sam Reinhart playing at a high level but they lack a center who defends like Barkov. It’s where Hughes and his skating can give the Devils an edge. 

Speaking of two-way play, Hischeir can deliver in that regard as well. He was a Selke finalist a few years back, and he’s not only a two-way player but a two-way player who can play the heavy game. It’s why he’s the X-factor if the team makes the playoffs and faces another Cup-caliber team. 

If the Devils want to beat the Panthers, it must come from the forward unit. It’s a good one but has yet to prove it’s a great one. Thursday night’s game is their chance to prove it. 

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