A new era for the New Jersey Devils began on Friday afternoon in Prague with a dominant 4-1 win over former head coach Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres.
Unlike the majority of the games from last season, the Devils kicked off the scoring when Stefan Noesen found the back of the net after a heavy forecheck and impressive work along the boards. Noesen’s goal was the first goal of the NHL season and the New Jersey campaign. Jonathan Kovacevic picked up his first point in a Devils’ sweater after assisting on Noesen’s goal. Kovacevic did not stop there as he netted one himself from the blue line.
The goal-scoring for the Devils did not stop there as Captain Nico Hischier added his first of the season early into the second period. Hischier ended the game with one goal and one assist. Buffalo continued to put the pressure on as they had 11 more shots, but none passed newly acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
The third period started with the Devils leading 3-0. Buffalo continued with the pressure from the second period, and eventually, the Sabres got one past Markstrom. The ice continued to tilt as Buffalo had all the offense in the third period, forcing the Devils to show how they could hold onto a lead. After Buffalo pulled their goalie for the extra player, new Devil Paul Cotter got himself involved in the scoring and found the back of the net.
Markstrom showed up for his new team by making highlight-reel saves throughout the game, including one “Save of the Year” candidate in the seven shots he faced during the first period. He saved 30 of 31 shots with a save percentage of .968%, a strong outing that the Devils desperately needed after struggling in net in recent years.
The new guys showed up in the first game, as Noesen, Kovacevic, Markstrom, and Cotter all scored their first points as Devils in the 2024-25 season.
The Devils penalty kill was very impressive in the season opener. The aggressive penalty kill prevented Buffalo from entering the zone when down a man. It became clear early on that the Devils have many penalty kill options and trust each player.
Despite not having a point, the line of Timo Meier, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt showed no rust coming into the regular season. They each had two shots, totaling six for the entire line.
This is the Devils’ first test, with another game on Saturday morning. After struggling with back-to-back games last season, how will they respond?
The Devils play Saturday at 10 a.m. ET against the Buffalo Sabres. Will the Devils be able to grab another two points?
