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The New Jersey Devils are responsible for many of my favorite sports memories, but last year’s double-overtime thriller against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise may top the list.
Rookie playoff hero Adam Henrique notched the game-winning goal when most skaters were too tired to sprint. Legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur stood tall, buying time for his slumping offense to find a way to score on the road as the defense collapsed. The Devils slumped through their first round meeting with the Panthers, but their Game Seven victory spurred their Stanley Cup run – and I was there when it all began.
This year is a little bit different. The Devils started the year hot, but fell as far as ninth place after Brodeur was placed on injured reserve. A six-game losing streak saw New Jersey fall apart in just about every facet of the game. They’ve been better lately, and the return of Brodeur makes a huge difference.
The Panthers have fallen a long way since their playoff berth last season. Injuries to key players, goaltending struggles, and poor play derailed this season. The Panthers likely won’t make the playoffs this year, but they can get a small measure of revenge by preventing Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur’s historic 666th win.
I don’t think the Panthers can win on the road here. The Devils match up well with Florida, and injuries have crippled the depth that made the Cats so strong last season. The Devils have a goaltending edge and much more offensive talent. While Scott Clemmensen playing against his former team is always exciting, the New Jersey Devils simply have too much for the Panthers – particularly on home ice.
The Panthers will not stop this historically evil milestone, and Brodeur will pick up win number 666.
Devils 4 – Panthers 2
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