Jack Devine will make his NHL debut when the Florida Panthers host the New Jersey Devils at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday. The Panthers will also honor defenseman Jeff Petry for his 1,000th NHL game with a pre-game ceremony. Both teams enter the matchup dealing with key injuries.
The Florida Panthers (10-8-1) face the New Jersey Devils (13-5-1) in the second of three meetings this season, following the Devils' 3-1 victory on October 16. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Jack Devine, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, was recalled from the Charlotte Checkers on November 19. The forward leads Charlotte with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 13 AHL games this season and helped the University of Denver win NCAA titles in 2022 and 2024. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice emphasized enjoying the moment: “I want him to enjoy the game. I want to see him be nervous for the national anthem. Take it all in.” Devine expressed excitement: “Felt amazing. Obviously, something I’ve been working a long time for. Just grateful for the opportunity to be here.”
The Panthers will celebrate Jeff Petry's 1,000th NHL game, achieved in his previous outing. Petry becomes the 409th skater and 28th U.S.-born defenseman to reach the milestone. Forward Noah Gregor noted: “It’ll be really cool. It’s obviously a huge accomplishment. Not too many guys have gotten that many games. Pete’s a great pro, great teammate.” Petry reflected: “It’s something to be proud of. Never would’ve dreamed about playing in 1,000 games.”
Florida comes off an 8-5 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, setting a franchise record with 16 different scorers. Sergei Bobrovsky, who earned his 438th career win, is expected to start in net. The Panthers hold a 7-2-1 home record this season.
The Devils, on a five-game road trip, lost 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday without leading scorer Jack Hughes, who underwent finger surgery. They are 1-1-0 since his injury. Nico Hischier scored their lone goal in that game. Jesper Bratt leads New Jersey with 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists), while Dawson Mercer has 9 goals. Jake Allen (7-2-0) will start, backing up Jacob Markstrom, who tweaked an injury.
Injuries impact both sides. Panthers: Aleksander Barkov (knee), Matthew Tkachuk (lower body), and others out. Devils: Hughes (finger), Brett Pesce (hand), and more sidelined. Projected lineups include Brad Marchand on a four-game point streak for Florida and Hischier centering Bratt for New Jersey.
