Devils goalie Cory Schneider is hoping to play at the Panthers on Thursday. It would be Schneider's first game since he sustained a grade 1 MCL sprain of his right knee against the Stars on March 4.

New Jersey is seven points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot with six games to play.

"We're going to play it by ear," Schneider said. "I'm not going to make any promises, but [Thursday] is probably the earliest and hopefully at least for sure by Saturday."