Monday, March 31, 7:30 PM on NBCS, TSN2

Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

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New Jersey is running out of time in its quest to return to the playoffs for the first time since a Stanley Cup Finals loss in 2012. The Devils trail the final spot in the East by 4 points but have only 8 remaining on the schedule. Normally a visit from the second to last place team in the league wouldn't be cause for concern but Florida thumped the Devils 5-3 a little over two weeks ago.

The Panthers have had a season to forget yet again and a win over NJ on March 14th was just one of 3 in their past 10 games. If bettors pick and choose their Florida battles they can bank some serious coin as evidenced by a +303 win against San Jose on March 18th and the Devils win that paid out a decent +142.

The Devils faint playoff hopes haven't been helped by their play recently. New Jersey is 4-5-1 in their last 10. With 76 points, New Jersey trails Toronto, Washington, Columbus, and Detroit by 4 points for the remaining 2 spots in the East. Only 2 of the games left on the NJ schedule are against quality opponents so there is hope but it starts with a home redemption against the Panthers.

Florida trailed 3-2 heading into the 3rd period in their last matchup against NJ but was able to outscore the Devils 3-0 in the final period for a 5-3 upset win. The Devils were -154 favorites on the road but Florida was able to cash in as +142 home underdogs to snap a 3-game losing streak and get goalie Roberto Luongo his 2nd win with the team.

ATS Trends

Florida is 13-26 straight up on the road this season

Florida  is 19-17-3 against the over/under on the road this season

New Jersey is 18-18 straight up at home this season

New Jersey is 13-17-6 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Florida 

03/28/14 GO Roberto Luongo Upper Body questionable
03/27/14 D Tom Gilbert Hernia out for season
03/21/14 D Alex Petrovic Upper Body out indefinitely
03/19/14 C Jonathan Huberdeau Upper Body expected to miss 1 week
02/24/14 C Aleksander Barkov Knee out 4-6 weeks
02/20/14 RW Tomas Kopecky Concussion out indefinitely
01/21/14 D Mike Mottau Leg out indefinitely

New Jersey 

11/29/13 D Adam Larsson Knee out indefinitely
03/28/14 D Bryce Salvador Lower Body questionable
03/26/14 D Anton Volchenkov Lower Body questionable
03/23/14 LW Tim Sestito Concussion questionable

Tony's Pick: Take New Jersey

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Read more articles by Josh Schonwald