In Prague, Jacob Markstrom delivered an impressive performance with 30 saves, while Paul Cotter marked his debut with an empty-net goal and an assist, as the New Jersey Devils secured a 4-1 victory against the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL’s regular-season opener. This game took place in the capital of Czechia.
The match commenced with former NHL star Jaromir Jagr, who is still active in the Czech league, dropping the ceremonial puck. It was Stefan Noesen who made history by scoring the first goal of the 2024-25 NHL season just 8 minutes and 39 seconds into the game, putting New Jersey ahead. Newcomer Johnathan Kovacevic extended the lead to 2-0, and Nico Hischier added a third goal early in the second period. Owen Power then netted a goal for the Sabres midway through the third, before Cotter sealed the game with New Jersey’s fourth goal.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe praised his team’s determination and high level of play from the very start. He noted their aggressive strategy right from the opening faceoff.
This matchup is part of the NHL Global Series, with two additional international games scheduled in Tampere, Finland, on November 1-2, featuring the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers against the Dallas Stars.
This marks the NHL’s 11th season of hosting games in Europe to cultivate its fan base in hockey-centric nations like Czechia, Sweden, and Finland.
For the Sabres, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 19 saves, but the team struggled to capitalize on four power-play opportunities. They aim to end a 13-year playoff drought this season under coach Lindy Ruff, who previously led the team to the postseason from 1997 to 2012, including a run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1999.
Ruff acknowledged that the fast start by the Devils was a pivotal factor in the outcome of the game.
Before the game, a moment of silence was observed for Johnny Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward who tragically passed away along with his brother Matthew in a bike accident in New Jersey.
A notable statistic from last season showed the Devils conceding 283 goals, ranking them 27th out of 32 teams. New Jersey is optimistic that Markstrom’s addition will address this issue and aid their playoff aspirations.
The teams will meet again on Saturday to conclude their series in Prague.