Florida (3-2-0) at New Jersey (2-1-0)
- When: Oct 16 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Florida vs New Jersey NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Florida -140
Spread: Florida -1.5 (+180)
Total: 6.0
Florida Panthers Betting Outlook
The reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions came out of the gates flying with a perfect 3-0 start at home, but the road has been a different story. The Panthers dropped their first two games away from Sunrise, losing 5-2 to Philadelphia and 4-1 in Detroit. They’ll try to regroup in New Jersey before wrapping up their trip in Buffalo.
Coach Paul Maurice liked the team’s early effort in Detroit but admitted the offense stalled with too many blocked shots and slow puck movement. Florida’s attack has leaned heavily on veteran Brad Marchand, who’s scored in four straight games and leads the team with three goals. His chemistry with Anton Lundell has been the bright spot of an otherwise inconsistent offensive stretch.
Defensively, the Panthers have struggled to maintain structure late in games, and the penalty kill has seen more work than they’d like. Daniil Tarasov is expected to start in goal after Sergei Bobrovsky faced Detroit, and he’ll need to be sharp to help Florida snap its skid. If the Panthers can clean up their puck transitions and generate more traffic in front of the net, they should have the edge against a shorthanded Devils squad.
New Jersey Devils Betting Outlook
The Devils return to Newark for their home opener riding a two-game win streak but face a sudden challenge in goal. Starter Jacob Markstrom will miss at least two weeks after an injury late in the win over Columbus. Backup Jake Allen is slated to start but also dealt with cramps in that same game, which forced him out after two periods. That has opened the door for Nico Daws, who was recalled from the AHL and could see time if Allen isn’t 100 percent.
Coach Sheldon Keefe called Markstrom’s injury “not too serious,” but losing an established starter early in the season is far from ideal. The Devils’ defense has been solid, though, and their blue line is showing promise led by Luke Hughes, who surprisingly leads the team in points with four assists.
Offensively, New Jersey has found timely scoring and balance across the lineup. Jesper Bratt and Hughes are creating opportunities off the rush, but against Florida’s physical forecheck, the Devils will need to rely on quick puck movement and discipline to stay competitive.
NHL Prediction & Betting Angle
This matchup sets up as a classic “get-right” game for Florida. The Panthers have the better roster top to bottom and should rebound after back-to-back road losses. The Devils’ goalie situation is uncertain, and facing a motivated defending champion isn’t ideal timing. Expect Florida to tighten up defensively, push the tempo, and take control late.
Score Prediction: Panthers 4, Devils 2
Pick: Florida -1.5 (+180)
Total: Over 5.5 Alt Lines (-135)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
