Game #2

New Jersey Devils (1-0-0) vs. Buffalo Sabres (0-1-0)

Puck Drop: 10:00 AM EDT | O2 Arena | Prague, CZE

TV: MSG-B, NHL Network (nationally)

Know Your Opponent

New Jersey Devils

Record: 1-0-0 | 2 PTS

Last Game: 4-1 win over Buffalo

Division Ranking: 1st

PP: 0.0%

PK: 100.0%

What to Watch

1. Time to Bounce Back

After a lackluster performance on Friday, the Sabres need a big game to bounce back and kick the season off right. Give the fans in Prague something to cheer for, and come back to North America 1-1. Friday’s loss wasn’t great, but it was one game of 82. It’s a long season, so let’s take it one game at a time. That starts with Saturday’s game, an early 10 AM start in WNY time.

2. The Guys to Watch

The Sabres will want to pay closer attention to Johnathan Kovacevic, who had two points, including the game-winning goal, on Friday. Paul Cotter also had two points (1-1), while Nathan Bastian had a pair of assists.

3. Levi’s Turn

With the quick turnaround between games, it’s expected that Devon Levi and Jake Allen will get the start in goal for their respective teams. Levi appeared in 23 NHL games last season and went 10-8-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .899 save percentage, also skating in 26 AHL games. With Rochester, he went 16-6-4 with a 2.42 GAA and .927 save percentage.

Allen appeared in 13 games with the Devils last season, going 6-6-1 with a 3.11 GAA and .900 save percentage. He also played in 21 games with the Montreal Canadiens, with a 6-12-3 record, 3.65 GAA and .892 save percentage.

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, who was the fourth-line right winger on Friday, was seen in a brace after the game. He isn’t expected to play Saturday, but it’s unclear who will take his place. It’s also unclear if any other lines or pairings will be shaken up, with no morning skate.

Defense

Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju
Bowen Byram – Owen Power
Mattias Samuelsson – Connor Clifton

Goalies: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi (projected starter)

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