Devils Beat Panthers

Florida
Panthers

"I've heard coaches in the past talk about when you get a 2-on-1 to move it up quickly the first time and then drive to the net," Stevens said. "I tried to give it to John quickly and the defenseman had to make a decision. He challenged John and he slid it over to me. It was just a great play."

The game also marked the return of Scott Niedermayer from a 10-game suspension that he got for hitting Florida's Peter Worrell over the head with his stick on March 10.

"I have never been through anything like this before and hopefully never again," Niedermayer said. "It wasn't too easy after it happened, but after a few days I just looked forward to this game tonight. I'm just trying to forget about it."

Mike Sillinger scored for the Panthers, who must now regroup as the series shifts to Florida for games three and four on Tuesday and Thursday.

"It's a must-win game, no doubt," said Panthers goalie Mike Vernon. "We all know the situation at hand. Even though we think we gave it our all tonight, we have to push ourselves harder for the next game. It's not going to get any easier."