Devils' Schneider returns vs. Panthers after 16-game absence

The New Jersey Devils will get their No. 1 goalie back between the pipes on Thursday night with Cory Schneider getting the start against the Florida Panthers, the team announced.

Schneider has missed the team's last 16 games with a groin injury, having not played since Jan. 23 against the Boston Bruins.

The Devils have stayed afloat in Schneider's absence, having gone 9-7-0 during that time. The club sits with the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, just two points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins for third place in the Metropolitan Division with a game in hand.