Game Info
Buffalo Sabres (9-9-2) vs. New Jersey Devils (8-9-1)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM EST | Prudential Center | Newark, NJ
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
New Jersey Devils
Record: 8-9-1 | 17 PTS
Last Game: 2-1 Loss vs. Blue Jackets
Division Ranking: 7th in Metropolitan Division
PP: 37.7% (1st)
PK: 77% (20th)
What to Watch
1. Need for Speed
Despite their recent struggles, the New Jersey Devils have a lot of talent this year, which is especially indicated by their speed in the offensive zone. The Sabres will want to keep an eye on forwards like Jack Hughes, who recently returned from an upper-body injury a little over a week ago. In his first 10 games of the season, Hughes tallied five goals and 15 assists. Without the power forward, the Devils went 2-3, so it is safe to say, at the very least, his presence is effective.
Another interesting addition to New Jersey’s offense is defenseman Brendan Smith. What exactly head coach Lindy Ruff is doing here is a great question, but at the same time…intriguing? Regardless, the team is in a tough spot as they are 1-6 in their last seven games and coming off of a home loss against the Blue Jackets. They are also on a three-game losing streak. If the Sabres can capitalize on this and keep the offense solid (for more than just the third period), they will be golden.
2. Keep Moving That Power Play
Aside from the fact that the Sabres’ power play has been struggling – to say the least – the Devils’ power play has been the complete opposite. The Devils’ PP is first in the league. Buffalo’s penalty kill (which is not too bad at 85.7%) will want to be aware of this and may have to work even harder if they want to avoid keeping New Jersey in that top spot. In other news, the Devils’ penalty kill is about as effective as our power play. However, during last night’s comeback against the Pens, fans were able to witness a beautiful power play goal by Jeff Skinner. If the Sabres can keep it moving in the right direction and use last night as momentum, they should have a solid chance at scoring with the man-advantage tonight.
3. Ladies and Gentlemen: Isak Rosen
In Sabres news this morning, Isak Rosen was reportedly called up from Rochester to make his NHL debut. (As of 12 p.m., the recall hasn’t yet been officially announced.) Last night, the Swedish winger netted the game-winning goal in overtime for the Amerks and it was a beaut:
Rosen is 5th in the AHL for points with 19 (eight goals, 11 assists, respectively) in 16 games played.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Jeff Skinner – Dylan Cozens – Alex Tuch
Zach Benson – Casey Mittelstadt – JJ Peterka
Jordan Greenway* – Tyson Jost – Victor Olofsson
Zemgus Girgensons – Peyton Krebs – Kyle Okposo
*Greenway was scratched last night and the Sabres played Pittsburgh with 11 forwards. These lines may juggle with the call-up of Rosen, too.
Defense
Rasmus Dahlin – Mattias Samuelsson
Owen Power – Ryan Johnson
Erik Johnson – Connor Clifton
Henri Jokiharju
Goaltenders: Devon Levi (expected), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Eric Comrie
New Jersey Devils
Forwards
Tyler Toffoli – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Erik Haula – Dawson Mercer – Curtis Lazar
Ondrej Palat – Michael McLeod – Alexander Holtz
Brendan Smith* – Chris Tierney – Nathan Bastian
*Smith is a defender in a forward spot.
Defense
Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton
Kevin Bahl – John Marino
Luke Hughes – Colin Miller
Goaltenders: Vitek Vanecek (expected), Akira Schmid