New Jersey (0-0-0-0) at Buffalo (0-0-0-0)
- When: Oct 4 2024, 1:00 PM
- Where: O2 Arena, Prague, CZE
- Where to watch: NHL Network
New Jersey Devils @ Buffalo Sabres
Moneyline
New Jersey Devils -145
Buffalo Sabres +125
New Jersey Devils @ Buffalo Sabres
Puck Line
New Jersey Devils -1.5 (+168)
Buffalo Sabres 1.5 (-198)
New Jersey Devils @ Buffalo Sabres
Total
Over 6.5 (EVEN)
Under 6.5 (-120)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Team Stats
| Devils | Sabres | |
| 0-0 | Record | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Away & Home | 0-0 |
| – | Last 10 | – |
| – | Streak | – |
Last Matchup:
BUF 5-2, March 29th, 2024
Game Preview
The 2023-24 season proved disappointing for both the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres. However, with significant changes during the offseason, both teams are eager to start the 2024-25 campaign positively as they face off on Friday in Prague, Czech Republic, for the first of two games in the 2024 NHL Global Series Czechia.
Last season, the Devils finished 23rd in the NHL with 81 points, a significant drop from their impressive 112-point season in 2022-23, when they started with a 16-3-0 record and reached the playoffs for only the second time in 11 years.
"A strong start is crucial for us," said New Jersey general manager Tom Fitzgerald. "Those early wins helped cushion the impact of our losing streak in December."
To regain their form, Fitzgerald acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames and added free-agent defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon. Sheldon Keefe was brought in to replace interim head coach Travis Green, who had taken over after Lindy Ruff was dismissed.
Devils captain Nico Hischier expressed confidence: "We know how to quickly find our rhythm. We just need to be professional and execute without excuses."
On the other side, Ruff is now leading the Sabres, aiming to guide the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Buffalo showed promise by finishing just one point shy of a playoff spot in 2022-23 but saw a decline in the 2023-24 season, which extended their postseason drought to an NHL-record 13 seasons.
General manager Kevyn Adams made significant changes, including hiring Ruff shortly after firing Don Granato. Adams emphasized the importance of accountability, a trait that Ruff is expected to instill, along with a structured approach.
The Sabres also bought out Jeff Skinner’s contract and revamped their forward lines for added depth and toughness. Notable trades and signings included Ryan McLeod from the Edmonton Oilers, Beck Malenstyn, Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel.
Buffalo players quickly embraced Ruff’s system, with forward Alex Tuch praising their preseason mentality: "The way we approached our preseason games has been phenomenal. We’re playing to win."
The team is looking for bounce-back performances from Tuch, Tage Thompson, and Dylan Cozens, all of whom experienced a dip in offensive production last season. They also hope for continued development from young players like JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn, Owen Power, and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who signed a five-year extension after stepping into the starting role last season.
The Sabres will operate under new captain Rasmus Dahlin, who was appointed to the position on September 26.
"His presence and energy are infectious," Lafferty remarked. "It’s a joy to see how guys respond to him."
NHL Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Buffalo 4-2
The Pick: Buffalo +125 & Under 6½ (-120)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $412
NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
