Sunrise, Fla., – The New Jersey Devils, led by goalie Nico Daws’ impressive 36 saves, ended the Florida Panthers’ nine-game winning streak with a 4-1 victory at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday. Daws’ performance was crucial for the Devils, who were looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses.
Alexander Holtz, Jesper Bratt, Erik Haula, and John Marino each scored for the Devils (22-15-3), showcasing a well-rounded team effort. Holtz opened the scoring with a fortunate deflection, and Bratt and Haula followed with pivotal goals that set the tone for the game.
The Panthers’ lone goal came from Sam Reinhart, who continued his impressive form by scoring for the sixth straight game. Despite the loss, Sergei Bobrovsky made 18 saves for Florida (27-13-2), which hadn’t experienced a defeat since late December.
Florida’s head coach, Paul Maurice, acknowledged the team’s effort during their winning streak but conceded that the Devils earned their victory. The Panthers’ winning streak was the third-longest in their history, reflecting their strong performance this season.
The Devils’ victory was marked by strong defensive play and efficient scoring. Daws, starting his fourth game in seven, showed growing confidence and was pivotal in keeping the Panthers at bay, especially with 16 saves in the third period.
New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff praised Daws for his timely saves, noting the team’s reliance on their goalie to make key stops. The Panthers had opportunities to close the gap, including a late shot by Reinhart that hit the post, but the Devils’ defense held firm.
John Marino’s empty-net goal in the final minutes sealed the win for New Jersey, highlighting their ability to close out games effectively.
This win signifies the Devils’ capacity to compete against top-tier teams and will boost their confidence as they continue their season. The Panthers, despite the end of their streak, remain one of the top teams in the league, with players like Bobrovsky and Reinhart in excellent form.
