It seems like nothing can slow down the New Jersey Devils (18-30-3) these days.
A visit from the sputtering Florida Panthers (22-23-6) may not slow them down.
The Devils look to continue their hot streak as they face the Panthers tonight at the Prudential Center.
New Jersey, 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, are trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Heading into tonight's game, the Devils sit 18 points behind eighth place Atlanta with three games in hand.
The Devils finally moved out of the league basement with a 3-2 win over the rival New York Rangers last night. New Jersey leapfrogged the Edmonton Oilers and moved into a tie with the New York Islanders for 28th place. They hold the tiebreaker over the Isles with one more non-shootout victory.
The Devils and Panthers are no strangers to each other. This will be the third matchup in less than a month between the Eastern Conference foes. The team's have split the season series, each winning one game.
Florida won the first matchup of the season, 3-2, in overtime. Tied 2-2 after regulation, Dmitry Kulikov beat Martin Brodeur with a wrist shot from the low slot to deny the Devils a three-game win streak. Nick Palmieri and David Clarkson scored for the Devils.
The Devils gained revenge eight days later at home, beating the Panthers 5-2. New Jersey used three first period goals to chase starter Scott Clemmensen to the bench. Jason Arnott finished with two goals in the win.