Florida Panthers @ NJ Devils - April 17, 2012

Free NHL Pick: Florida Panthers @ New Jersey Devils - April 17, 2012

I never really liked watching Panthers, at least in the last few seasons. (except for a couple games Frolik had impressed me) I remember last season when they usually played to lock down the opponent offense and try to keep it scoreless as long as possible. It worked at times but it's not good for the spectator.

Nevertheless, tonight Devils will take on Panthers for the third time after losing the second game at Bankatlantic center.

Weiss who returned to the roster had his own plans for Brodeur and Devils and it took him only 24 seconds to score in the last match which Florida then scored two more to take an early 3-0 lead. Devils tried to rally and they scored two quick goals but they failed to score on the chances they had for the remaning 18 minutes of the third period and instead Panthers' Fleischmann scored the empty netter to seal it for the Panthers.

Weiss who scored two goals for his team and Versteeg who has had one goal and one assist in the first two matches will have to be stopped by Devils defense tonight if they are going to win this one. I think, Weiss who had 57 points in regular season is the most dangerous player in Panthers roster. It doesn't help the Devils when Brodeur allows 3 goals on 23 shots. He is usually much better than that and he was below his average in second game. I had mentioned Theodore in my pick for second game here and I thought Brodeur would be a great advantage for Devils in Florida considering Theodore's performance (20th in the league in GAA). 

Parise had 12 shots on goal in two games and he is yet to score a point. Considering the type of player Parise is, I'm expecting him to come up big tonight. 

Special teams has to work better for the home side as well. Devils really struggled on man advantage in the first two games. They scored only 1 goal on 8 powerplays. It's not too bad but it should improve when you have players like Kovalchuk in the team. Panthers scored one powerplay goal in each matches and that's another part of the game Devils struggled.

So, Devils team has a lot to improve but Panthers do too and with the home ice advantage Devils still look more likely to win the game tonight. Look out for Parise and Kovalchuk to make it all easier for Devils tonight.

Free NHL Pick: NJ Devils to win [Moneyline]

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