NHL: Desperation rising for Panthers, Devils in fading playoff hunt

The Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils are both fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, adding extra urgency to Tuesday's matchup in Newark, New Jersey.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers sit eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Meanwhile, the Devils are second-worst in the East, three points behind Florida, making their path to the postseason even steeper with 22 games remaining.

Both teams appear more likely to be sellers than buyers ahead of the NHL trade deadline on Friday. Yet, considering their inconsistent seasons, each club still believes a late-season push is possible.

Florida coach Paul Maurice emphasized the importance of momentum for his veteran squad.

"Any one good play, anything that gives them the feeling that there's hope," Maurice said after Sunday’s 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders. "That's really what we're trying to drive now. They've got miles on them, but they've played a lot of big games together. That's the key."

The Panthers have struggled recently, going 2-7-0 in their last nine games, with five losses by a single goal. Against the Islanders, Florida surrendered a 2-0 lead and allowed Anders Lee to score the game-winning goal with just 32 seconds left.

New Jersey has faced similar difficulties, also posting a 2-7-0 record over its last nine games. Unlike the Panthers, the Devils’ “one-goal games” have meant scoring struggles, including a five-game stretch in which they managed only a single goal per game. That streak ended Saturday with a 3-1 road win over the St. Louis Blues.

The Devils have excelled when leading late in games, boasting a perfect 19-0-0 record when ahead after two periods, but a 1-20-1 mark when trailing at that point.

"We've been the best team in the NHL playing with a lead in the third period, so when we get in that spot, we're good. We've just got to find ways to do it more consistently," said Devils coach Sheldon Keefe.

Tuesday’s game begins a seven-game homestand for New Jersey, with 13 of the remaining 22 contests scheduled at home. The Devils have struggled at the Prudential Center, going 13-13-2, with just 28 points—the fourth-fewest among NHL teams.

With a Wednesday matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs following, goaltenders Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen will split the starts. Allen could be favored to face the Panthers, as Markstrom started against St. Louis.

Key players include Nico Hischier (20 goals, 23 assists) and Jesper Bratt (13 goals, 30 assists), tied with 43 points for New Jersey. Hischier leads the team in goals, while Bratt tops the assists chart. Sam Reinhart leads Florida with 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points.

Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start in goal for the Panthers, but the veteran goaltender has struggled this season, posting a 22-18-1 record with an .872 save percentage and a 3.13 goals-against average.

The home team has won both previous meetings between these clubs this season.

-Field Level Media/Reuters