Spotlight on Prague as Sabres Start Season Versus Devils

The season is finally here. We will no longer discuss Lindy Ruff’s training camp and what-ifs. As the NHL Global Series kicks off the season, the Buffalo Sabres take on the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia.

In a 7 pm local start, the fans in Buffalo will be able to enjoy some 1 pm afternoon NHL action. It’s a fresh season, with renewed hope, and a time to enjoy what this new version of the Sabres has to offer.

We have you covered for all 82 games this season, with insights into each matchup, projected lineups, win probabilities, and sports betting picks. Buffalo Hockey Now is partnering with PuckLuck to bring you the most in-depth game analysis you will find.

Where to Watch

Gametime: 1:00 p.m. ET

Location: o2 Arena (Prague 9, Czechia)

TV: MSG, Sportsnet, NHL Network

Stream: MSG+

Radio: WGR550

Sabres Gameday

The Sabres showed off their new-look squad by dominating lesser competition in the preseason. With the major changes in the offseason revolving around revamping the bottom six forward group, it’s time for Beck Malenstyn, Sam Lafferty, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel to shine. They project to be one of the most fun lines to watch this season, using their speed and physicality to disrupt opponents.

Related: How Sabres Line of Malenstyn, Lafferty, Aube-Kubel Compares Across NHL

Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker shouldn’t be overlooked either, as they’ll combine with Jordan Greenway to form a new shutdown line for the Sabres. They’ll be ultra important in alleviating Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens from tough defensive matchups and freeing them up to be used more offensively.

Ruff wouldn’t reveal his starting goaltender, per Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News, but it’s expected that Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will get the call. Luukkonen is coming off a massive breakout season, where he ranked among the league’s best in goals saved above expected.

New Jersey Devils

Much like the Sabres, the Devils are debuting in Prague with a talented team and a new coach. Former Toronto Maple Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe takes over in New Jersey, looking to help the team regain their form from a couple of seasons ago.

Only one of the two star Hughes brothers will be in the lineup, as defenseman Luke Hughes is injured to start the season. His brother Jack, of course, is New Jersey’s most dangerous scorer, and he’ll play on a line with a pair of great wingers in Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt.

While down one key defenseman, Dougie Hamilton returns this season after missing most of last year. He’ll head a reformed defensive group, including an NHL debut from top prospect Seamus Casey.

The Devils also upgraded in net, as Jacob Markstrom takes over between the pipes. He’ll head a tandem with Jake Allen this season as New Jersey hopes for much-improved results from the goaltenders.

Injury Report

Buffalo Sabres

• Ryan Johnson (Lower Body) Day-to-day

New Jersey Devils

• Luke Hughes (Shoulder) Week-to-week
• Brett Pesce (Lower Leg) Day-to-day

Projected Lineups

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards

JJ Peterka – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch

Zach Benson – Dylan Cozens – Jack Quinn

Jason Zucker – Ryan McLeod – Jordan Greenway

Beck Malenstyn – Sam Lafferty – Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Defense

Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju

Owen Power – Bowen Byram

Mattias Samuelsson – Connor Clifton

Goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Projected)

Devon Levi

New Jersey Devils

Forwards

Timo Meier – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt

Tomas Tatar – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer

Ondrej Palat – Erik Haula – Stefan Noesen

Paul Cotter – Curtis Lazar – Nathan Bastian

Defense

Brenden Dillon – Dougie Hamilton

Jonas Siegenthaler – Johnathan Kovacevic

Seamus Casey – Simon Nemec

Goalies

Jacob Markstrom (Projected)

Jake Allen

Source: Amanda Stein, New Jersey Devils

Betting Odds Breakdown

It feels good to be back here breaking down the Sabres betting odds since that means the games count now. Buffalo starts the season as “home” underdogs, with the consensus odds pushing the Sabres to around +120.

With the implied 45% chance of winning the game according to the sportsbooks, PuckLuck paints a little better picture at just over 47%. This makes the straight bet of the Sabres on the moneyline the nice and easy play of the day.

If you’re looking to play the game total, you can get the under for even money at most sportsbooks. The Devils and Sabres project just under the 6.5 goal mark in Prague, as we have a solid goaltending matchup. The under is a solid play, with a slight edge in win probability.

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For more betting analysis across the NHL, head over to PuckLuck.com.

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