NHL Showdown: Sabres Face Devils in Prague for Exciting Season Opener
PRAGUE, Czechia – For nine days, the Buffalo Sabres have bonded over intense practices, team dinners, and the occasional European excursion, including a memorable exhibition game in Munich, Germany.
It’s all led up to this. Two regular-season games against the New Jersey Devils at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia will serve as the main events of the NHL Global Series experience, which has added another layer of anticipation on top of the usual excitement surrounding opening night.
“I think it just makes you itch for that first game a little bit more,” Tage Thompson said Friday morning. “Tonight’s one I’m sure a lot of us are really, really excited for.”
The puck drops to open the season at 1 p.m. EST. Here’s what you need to know in the meantime.
How to Watch
- TV (Buffalo broadcast market): MSG (Pregame coverage begins at 12:30 p.m.)
- TV (Out of market): NHL Network
- Listen: WGR 550
Projected Lineup
The Sabres did not do line rushes during their optional morning skate. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen skated in the home net and is expected to start in goal.
Storylines
- Ruff’s Return: The first game of this season will be Lindy Ruff’s 1,166th as coach of the Sabres, building upon the franchise record he set from 1997 to 2013. It also happens to come against the team Ruff coached most recently, having led the Devils from 2020 to March of last season.
- Sabres Debuts: Tonight will mark the Sabres debuts for forwards Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Beck Malenstyn, Sam Lafferty, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel, all of whom were brought in during the summer.
- Scouting the Devils: New Jersey enters its first year under coach Sheldon Keefe and has made significant roster changes, including key additions to their defense.
Players to Watch
Buffalo – Rasmus Dahlin: The defenseman will play his first regular-season game as captain of the Sabres.
New Jersey – Jack Hughes: Hughes scored 74 points last season despite being limited due to injury.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.