Devils Beat Sabres 4-1 in NHL Season Opener in Prague \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Paul Cotter’s stellar debut for the New Jersey Devils helped them secure a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL regular-season opener held in Prague, Czech Republic. The NHL Global Series brought fans an international showcase with Cotter scoring a goal and an assist, while captain Nico Hischier added another goal to lead the way. Jaromir Jagr kicked off the game with a ceremonial puck drop, while a somber moment honored the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother. The game marked a strong start for New Jersey, which is looking to rebound after a challenging previous season.
Devils vs. Sabres in Prague: Key Takeaways
- Paul Cotter’s Impactful Debut: Cotter, in his first game for the Devils, notched a goal and an assist, helping New Jersey to a strong win over Buffalo.
- Emotional Opening: Jaromir Jagr dropped the ceremonial puck, and a moment of silence honored the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
- NHL’s Global Presence: This game is part of the NHL Global Series, bringing regular-season action to international fans. Additional matches are scheduled in Finland in November.
Deep Look
The NHL kicked off its 2023-24 season in style on Friday, bringing hockey action to the heart of Europe. The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres faced off in Prague, Czech Republic, as part of the NHL Global Series, marking the league’s continued effort to expand its fanbase in Europe. It was a memorable night in Prague, as fans witnessed the Devils’ 4-1 triumph over the Sabres, highlighted by the impressive play of newcomer Paul Cotter, whose performance electrified the arena.
Paul Cotter and Newcomers
Paul Cotter made his New Jersey Devils debut count, contributing a goal and an assist to lead the team to a 4-1 victory. Cotter, acquired in an offseason trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, played with confidence and composure, helping to set the tone for his new team. His empty-net goal late in the third period sealed the win, while his assist earlier in the game was a testament to his ability to play a key role offensively. It was a promising start for Cotter, who has been viewed as a potential impact player since his arrival in New Jersey.
The Devils got off to a quick start, with Stefan Noesen becoming the first player to score in the 2023-24 NHL season, netting a goal just 8:39 into the first period. Noesen’s early goal provided the momentum the Devils needed to take control of the game. Shortly after, defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic doubled the lead. Kovacevic, who joined New Jersey from the Montreal Canadiens, showcased his offensive instincts by sneaking in from the blue line and scoring his first goal of the season. Kovacevic’s performance was another example of how the Devils’ new additions are already making an impact.
Nico Hischier, the Devils’ captain, extended New Jersey’s lead early in the second period with a slick finish. Hischier’s goal made it 3-0, putting Buffalo on their heels as the Devils continued to control the pace of the game. For Hischier, the goal was another display of leadership and skill that he has brought to the Devils since being named captain. As the game progressed, it became clear that the Devils were determined to make a statement in their season opener, showcasing a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
Buffalo’s Late Push and Sabres’ Struggles
Despite trailing for most of the game, the Buffalo Sabres fought hard to stay competitive. Their efforts were finally rewarded in the third period when Owen Power found the back of the net, giving Buffalo a glimmer of hope. Power, a young and promising defenseman, scored midway through the third period to make it 3-1. His goal injected some life into the Sabres’ lineup, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
Buffalo’s inability to capitalize on four power-play opportunities was a significant factor in their loss. The Sabres’ power play lacked cohesion, and they were unable to generate quality scoring chances when it mattered most. Head coach Don Granato emphasized the importance of improving special teams play moving forward. “We had our chances, especially on the power play, but we couldn’t convert. That’s an area we need to address quickly,” Granato said postgame.
The Sabres’ goaltender, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, faced pressure throughout the game, making 19 saves but ultimately struggling to keep up with the Devils’ balanced attack. The game highlighted the gap between Buffalo’s potential and their current execution, especially when compared to New Jersey’s emerging chemistry.
Opening Ceremony and Tribute
Before the puck dropped, fans in Prague were treated to a special appearance by Czech hockey legend Jaromir Jagr, who dropped the ceremonial puck to mark the start of the NHL’s Global Series. Jagr, a beloved figure in the hockey world and still active in the Czech league at the age of 51, was warmly welcomed by the crowd, adding a nostalgic and celebratory atmosphere to the evening.
The festivities took a somber turn, however, as the arena observed a 13-second moment of silence in honor of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who tragically passed away in late August in a biking accident. The tribute was heartfelt, with players from both teams bowing their heads in a powerful show of respect. It was a reminder of the close-knit nature of the hockey community, even as the excitement of a new season began.
Goaltender Strong Debut
Another bright spot for the Devils was goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who made his own debut with the team after being acquired from the Calgary Flames. Markstrom was solid between the pipes, turning away 30 shots and providing stability for New Jersey throughout the game. His presence in net was crucial in helping the Devils maintain their early lead and weather Buffalo’s late attempts at a rally.
Markstrom’s performance gave fans and the coaching staff reason to believe that the goaltending position is in good hands for the season ahead. After an inconsistent goaltending situation last year, Markstrom’s acquisition is already proving to be a positive move for the Devils. “Jacob gave us everything we needed tonight,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “He was poised, made key saves, and helped our defense immensely.”
NHL Global Series and Expanding International Presence
The game in Prague was part of the NHL Global Series, an initiative aimed at expanding the league’s reach and growing its fanbase in Europe. This season marks the 11th year the NHL has played games in Europe, focusing on hockey-enthusiast countries like the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Finland. The excitement and atmosphere in Prague were palpable, with fans embracing the opportunity to see NHL talent up close.
This game was just the beginning of the NHL’s international showcase this season. The next stop will be Tampere, Finland, on November 1-2, when the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, face off against the Dallas Stars. These international games not only bring top-tier hockey to fans across the world but also serve as a valuable opportunity for the NHL to continue fostering a global love for the sport.
Takeaways: New Jersey Devils
For the Devils, this game represented a fresh start after missing the playoffs in 10 of the past 12 seasons. New Jersey made significant offseason changes, including the hiring of head coach Sheldon Keefe after his dismissal by Toronto. Keefe brought a new system and energy, which seemed evident in the team’s disciplined and aggressive play against Buffalo.
The contributions from newcomers—Cotter, Kovacevic, and Markstrom—were crucial. The Devils have clearly prioritized adding depth and leadership to their lineup, and the early returns look promising. Cotter, in particular, brought energy and versatility to his role, while Kovacevic’s ability to join the rush and find scoring opportunities is something the Devils will be excited to see more of. Markstrom’s solid play in goal provided the backbone the team needs if they are to make a push for the postseason this year.
Takeaways: Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly after their performance. Despite a spirited effort, they struggled to match the Devils’ intensity and were unable to convert on the power play. Special teams will be a key area of focus as they look ahead to their next game. Owen Power’s goal was a bright spot, showcasing his offensive potential from the blue line. However, Buffalo will need to find more consistency if they want to keep pace in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Head coach Don Granato acknowledged that there were positives to take from the game, but also areas that need improvement. “Our young guys showed effort, but effort alone doesn’t win games in this league. We need to be sharper, especially on special teams, if we want to compete at a high level,” Granato stated.
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