Preview
The Buffalo Sabres (3-1-0) are in town tonight, coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of the Boston Bruins. New Jersey also enters this one off of their first loss, courtesy of the Washington Capitals. It will be interesting to see which team can rebound and regain their winning ways. The return of Ty Smith will be a welcome boost for the Devils, while Buffalo remains without superstar Jack Eichel.
Projected Lines
Devils’
Forwards
Zacha-Hischier-Bratt
Sharangovich-McLeod-Kuokkanen
Johnsson-Mercer-Tatar
Vesey-Gauthier-Studenic
Defensemen
Graves-Hamilton
Siegenthaler-Subban
Smith-Severson
Goaltenders
Daws (1st career NHL start)
Wedgewood
Sabres’
Forwards
Skinner-Cozens-Hinnestroza
Asplund-Thompson-Olofsson
Bjork-Girgensons-Okposo
Caggiula-Ruotsalainen-Hayden
Defensemen
Dahlin-Butcher
Bryson-Miller
Hagg-Pysyk
Goaltenders
Tokarski
Anderson
What to Watch
Ty Smith
It will be a great sight to see Ty back on the backend, especially for the power play unit. The back end held their own over the first three games, but Smith returning will only strengthen it. With Jack Hughes still absent, some of Smith’s playmaking ability will also be much welcomed in the offensive zone.
Will Butcher
A familiar face but now on the opposite side of the ice, Will Butcher is set to make his return to The Rock. Butcher’s tenure with New Jersey earned him a lot of fans (and many frustrated ones when he wasn’t able to crack the starting lineup), but a change of scenery was needed for his career. The Devils are very aware of what he brings to the ice and how frequently his shot from the point finds its way through traffic and on net. So, Nico Daws will have to be prepared anytime he has the puck on his stick.
Prediction
This game, as most do, is going to come down to goaltending. While goaltending was a big boost in the first two games, it was subpar against Washington. Daws will be tested early and will most likely be dealing with a lot of bodies around the blue paint, so he will need to remain locked in. Buffalo tends to fool people early on in the season, so take their record with a grain of salt. Devils get on the board early and Smith has himself a two-point night in his return to action. This leading Jersey to a 5-3 victory.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game is at the Prudential Center and is slated to begin at 7:00 PM ET. The game can be seen on MSG and ESPN-plus.