The New Jersey Devils will open their 2024-25 NHL season in Prague, Czech Republic, as part of the 2024 Global Series.
The Devils will play in Prague on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 against former head coach Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres. The Devils parted ways with Lindy Ruff last season after having a disappointing campaign despite having their best season the year before. Ruff signed an extension with the Devils just months before being released.
In 2017, the NHL decided to bring back games outside North America and created the Global Series. It marked the first time the NHL played on another continent since 2011.
The Devils played in the 2018 Global Series against the Edmonton Oilers in their season opener and won 5-2 in Sweden. With this trip, the Devils will become the fifth team to play in two Global Series matchups.
For some players, the Global Series is just a regular hockey game, while for Ondrej Palat, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fans have rushed to the arena to see Palat, a native of the Czech Republic, in person.
Another player who might be a bit more excited than the average hockey player is Simon Nemec, as his grandparents can finally see him play an NHL game in person. His grandparents can not fly to the United States, so he assumed they would never be able to see him play in person. Playing only a few hours from his grandparents has given them the opportunity to find their way to the arena.
Seamus Casey will be making his NHL debut as he lines up on the third defensive pair. With the excitement of finally making his NHL debut and playing in the Global Series, there is no doubt that Casey will be skating onto the ice with a smile.
The Devils are under pressure, as they are aware they have a lot to make up for after last year’s horrific season. Will the Global Series create a moral boost for New Jersey?
Puck drop is at 1 p.m. ET on Friday afternoon as the Devils kick off the 2024-25 season, followed by a 10 a.m. ET game on Saturday morning.
