New Jersey Devils: Keys to Season Opener

Thursday October 13th, the New Jersey Devils open the season on the road against the Florida Panthers. Here is a preview of the much-anticipated season opener.

Time / Broadcast Info

Team Records

Season opener for Florida and New Jersey. Florida finished first in the Atlantic Division last year with 103 points. The Devils tallied 84 points, which placed them a dismal seventh in the Metropolitan Division.

Panthers News and Notes

Devils News and Notes

Two key injuries have significantly depleted the forward ranks of the Panthers.

What To Expect

The Devils restocked the cupboard with several talented forwards, but the shelves are a bit bare on the blue line. While that might change once the new parts on the blue line start to jell a bit, I expect some games featuring more goals than Devils fans are used to seeing.

Starting with Florida, Tampa and the Ducks is some tough sledding. It sounds ridiculous in a way, but the Devils really need at least a point at Sunrise. Starting out 0-3-0 is not beyond the realm of possibility. With Huberdeau and Bjugstad shelved, this could be New Jersey’s best opportunity to get points on the board.

Since this is a Devils site, I’m going to go out on a limb and predict a 4-3 Devils victory, with Jay Jo and Parenteau beating Luongo in a shootout. Hope I’m right. Go Devils!