The much-anticipated 2024-2025 NHL season kicks off with an international flair as the New Jersey Devils face off against the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024 NHL Global Series in Prague. This game marks a thrilling start to the season for both teams, each aiming to make a bold statement on the global stage. Held at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia, this two-game series brings hockey excitement to fans across the world on October 4 and 5.
Storylines to Watch: Devils vs Sabres
1. Lindy Ruff’s Return to Buffalo
This game holds emotional weight for both teams. Lindy Ruff, the former long-time coach of the Buffalo Sabres, returns to face his former team—now leading the New Jersey Devils. With 1,166 games under his belt as the Sabres’ coach between 1997 and 2013, Ruff’s presence adds a layer of intrigue to the matchup(
NHL).
Ruff’s coaching philosophy is centered around work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, which the Devils have fully embraced under his leadership. The Devils are a force to be reckoned with, boasting one of the league’s best offensive cores and a revamped defense.
2. The Devils’ New Era with Sheldon Keefe
The Devils head into their first season under coach Sheldon Keefe, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Keefe has a reputation for fostering fast-paced, offensive hockey, which aligns well with New Jersey’s young, dynamic roster. His tenure starts with high expectations as the Devils look to build on their impressive offensive output from last season. With elite talents like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt leading the charge, New Jersey is poised for another strong campaign(
NHL)(
NHL).
3. Sabres’ Defensive and Offensive Depth
On the Sabres’ side, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin enters his first full season as the team’s captain. The team has worked hard to bring in new faces like Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Sam Lafferty to bolster their offense, while young defenseman Owen Power looks to further develop his game(
NHL). These additions should provide some much-needed depth, and if goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen can continue his solid preseason form, Buffalo could be a surprise threat this season.
Key Matchup: Goaltending Duel
One of the most crucial aspects of this matchup is the goaltending battle. For the Devils, veteran Jacob Markstrom leads the charge. Markstrom, known for his consistency and ability to steal games, gives the Devils a decided advantage in the crease. The Sabres will counter with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, a talented but still relatively inexperienced netminder(
NHL Trade Rumors). While Luukkonen has shown flashes of brilliance, the Devils’ more experienced goalie might provide the edge New Jersey needs to control the game.
Players to Watch
- Jack Hughes (Devils): Coming off a career season where he averaged 1.19 points per game despite missing games due to injury, Hughes remains the offensive heart of the Devils. He is a constant threat with his combination of speed, vision, and scoring touch(NHL).
- Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres): Wearing the captain’s “C” for the first time in regular-season action, Dahlin is a standout blueliner for the Sabres. Last season, he set career highs in goals, blocked shots, and hits, making him a critical two-way player(NHL).
- Jesper Bratt (Devils): Another offensive dynamo for New Jersey, Bratt is coming off an outstanding season and will look to continue his chemistry with Hughes(NHL Trade Rumors).
- Dylan Cozens (Sabres): Slated to center the Sabres’ second line, Cozens has developed into a reliable scoring threat and will be tasked with leading Buffalo’s offensive charge(NHL)(NHL).
What to Expect from the Game
The Devils are the favorites in this matchup due to their combination of star power, depth, and experience. However, the Sabres’ young core is rapidly improving, and they have shown they can hang with the league’s elite teams. Look for New Jersey to control the pace with their superior offensive skill, but if Buffalo’s defense, led by Dahlin and Power, can keep things tight, they might frustrate the Devils’ attack(
Prediction: Devils to Win
While both teams are exciting to watch, the Devils’ experience and depth give them the edge in this opening contest. Expect New Jersey to take the win, with a predicted final score of 6-3(
How to Watch
For fans tuning in, the game will be broadcast on MSGSN, NHL Network, and Sportsnet(
NHL). Coverage starts at 1:00 PM ET, and for those following along outside North America, the O2 Arena in Prague offers a unique and electric atmosphere for this international showdown.
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