Coach John Hynes gave his New Jersey Devils a well-deserved day off in the middle of the week to regroup during a busy stretch that sends them into the NHL's holiday break.
An extra day to get healthy is something Jaromir Jagr and the Florida Panthers could use as well.
The former Devil hopes to return from a one-game absence to try and help Florida end an eight-game road losing streak to New Jersey on Thursday night.
The Devils (16-11-4) on Friday began a stretch where they won't have more than one day between games -- including one back-to-back set -- through Dec.