Matchup Overview
Who’s ready for some afternoon hockey? The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres meet for the first time since a COVID-19 outbreak that affected both teams. It was one that angered the Sabres’ fanbase as well as the organization. This should be a fairly interesting game that may be a bit chippy right from the start.
Projected Lineups
New Jersey:
It was announced by head coach Lindy Ruff during his pregame availability that Travis Zajac is expected to make his return to the lineup. Ruff also mentioned Nico Hischier will finally be available to play. However, he did not fully indicate if he would be in the lineup or not.
Be sure to check our social media before puck drop for full lineup news.
Buffalo:
Forwards
Olofsson – Eichel – Reinhart
Hall – Staal – Cozens
Rieder – Eakin – Okposo
Skinner – Lazar – Sheahan
Defense
Dahlin – Miller
Montour – Jokiharju
McCabe – Borgen
Goalies
Ullmark
Hutton
What to Watch
Nathan Bastian
The Miles Wood, Michael McLeod, and Nathan Bastian line brings tremendous energy to the ice. They all play a fast and physical game which has led to points on the board. Bastian has been close to reappearing on the scoresheet. With the potential for a gritty-type game, it sets up perfectly for him to make some noise on the stat-sheet.
Jeff Skinner
It’s been a rough year for the sniping winger, but that doesn’t mean his shot is any less lethal. Scoring has been an issue among other things for the Sabres as a whole. Skinner only having one point in 13 games just isn’t going to cut it. Watch for him to pepper some pucks on net, especially if they get some power play opportunities.