Florida Panthers Secure Narrow Victory Against New Jersey Devils
In a tightly contested match on Thursday evening, the Florida Panthers edged out the New Jersey Devils with a narrow 1-0 victory at home in Sunrise, Florida. This win marks a significant moment for the Panthers, as it is their first regulation triumph by a single goal since December 23, 2017, when they also defeated Ottawa.
Bobrovsky’s Stellar Performance
Sergei Bobrovsky delivered a stellar performance in goal, turning away 30 shots and earning his 51st career shutout, which places him tied for 28th on the NHL’s all-time list. Meanwhile, the Devils, who struggled offensively, were unable to convert any of their 24 shots on Bobrovsky, suffering their first scoreless game of the season despite a solid 23-save effort from goaltender Jake Allen.
Decisive Goal and Game Highlights
Sam Reinhart scored the decisive goal early in the opening period, showcasing his skill as he maneuvered past New Jersey’s Luke Hughes before firing the puck over Allen’s shoulder, marking his 11th goal of the season. As the game progressed, New Jersey intensified their offensive push, particularly in the final minute, but Bobrovsky stood firm to secure the victory for Florida.
Milestones and Special Moments
The match also highlighted a significant milestone for Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry, who recently played in his 1,000th NHL game. In a special pre-game ceremony, Petry’s family joined him on the ice, proudly wearing jerseys from each of his previous teams—Edmonton, Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Detroit—as they were honored with various gifts from the Panthers and the NHL. In a show of support, all Panthers players donned jerseys featuring Petry’s No. 2 during warm-ups, which will be auctioned off for charity.
Rookie Debut and Upcoming Matches
On a related note, this game was a memorable moment for rookie Jack Devine, making his NHL debut for the Panthers. Devine was called up as Florida continues to face injury challenges, with seven regular players sidelined.
Looking ahead, the Devils will attempt to rebound as they head to Philadelphia for a matchup on Saturday night, while the Panthers prepare to host the Edmonton Oilers, marking a rematch of the past two Stanley Cup Finals.
