Preview: New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres prepare for Afternoon Rematch

The New Jersey Devils are slated to take on the Buffalo Sabres for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak among the respective teams. (Photo via Getty Images)

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 signed a large contract with the Buffalo Sabres. However, he has been struggling mightily this year. (Photo via Getty Images)

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.

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