Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers host the New Jersey Devils at Amerant Bank Arena in NHL Cup play. Florida enters at 10-8-1 after an 8-5 offensive outburst against Vancouver, while New Jersey sits at 13-5-1 following a loss to Tampa Bay. Bettors will weigh the Panthers’ scoring surge against the Devils’ defensive structure and goaltending rotation.
Line Movement and Odds
Panthers MoneyLine: -146
Devils MoneyLine: +123
Total: 5.5 (Over -124, Under +103)
Florida opened as a home favorite, reflecting their offensive form and New Jersey’s recent power-play struggles. See full NHL odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Florida Panthers Outlook
Florida set a franchise record with 16 different players recording points in the win over Vancouver. Brad Marchand leads with 23 points, including an ongoing eight-game point streak. Sergei Bobrovsky (9-5-0, 2.80 GAA, .883 SV%) remains the starter despite occasional lapses. The Panthers’ power play has been hot, converting 6 of 19 chances over their last four games. Injuries to Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Cole Schwindt test their depth, but Sam Reinhart and Seth Jones continue to contribute offensively.
New Jersey Devils Outlook
Jesper Bratt leads active skaters with 18 points, while Jack Hughes (20 points) remains sidelined until January. The Devils rank 10th in goals scored and 5th in blocks, showing balance. However, their power play has slumped, going 2-for-20 over the last eight games. Goaltending remains unsettled: Jacob Markstrom has struggled (3.83 GAA, .864 SV%), while Jake Allen (2.24 GAA, .916 SV%) offers stability. New Jersey’s ability to generate shots (32 vs Tampa Bay) keeps them dangerous despite recent inefficiency.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Panthers must continue leveraging Marchand’s scoring and their power-play success while Bobrovsky steadies in net. The Devils need Allen to provide reliable goaltending and Bratt to drive offense. Special teams and goaltending will likely decide this rematch.
Injuries / Availability
Florida lists Aleksander Barkov (knee), Matthew Tkachuk (lower body), Cole Schwindt (arm), Eetu Luostarinen (lower body), Tomás Nosek (knee), Jonah Gadjovich (upper body), Anthony Stolarz (upper body), Dmitry Kulikov (upper body), and Christopher Tanev (upper body) as out. For full player status, check the Panthers injury report.
New Jersey lists Jack Hughes (hand), Cody Glass (undisclosed), Johnathan Kovacevic (knee), Zack MacEwen (lower body), Marc McLaughlin (undisclosed), and Brett Pesce (upper body) as out, with Simon Holmstrom (illness) questionable. See the Devils injury page for latest updates.
Environment
The game tips at Amerant Bank Arena, where Florida is 6-3-1 at home. New Jersey is 6-4-1 on the road, wrapping up a tough stretch. Expect Florida’s pace and offensive depth to clash with New Jersey’s defensive discipline.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Panthers 3, Devils 2
Best Bet: Panthers MoneyLine -146
Florida’s offensive surge and home-ice advantage give them the edge in a tight contest.
Total: Under 5.5 (+103)
Our model projects 5 goals, leaning under given both teams’ defensive strengths.
Florida’s scoring depth should carry them to a narrow win, but New Jersey’s defensive structure keeps this close. Expect a low-scoring battle trending under the total.
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