In the heart of Prague, the NHL kicked off its 2024-2025 season with a thrilling matchup between the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres. The Devils emerged victorious, securing a 4-1 win in the Czech capital.
The game began with a poignant tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward who tragically lost his life in a bicycle accident alongside his brother Matthew on August 29. Players and spectators observed 13 seconds of silence in his honor.
Stefan Noesen drew first blood, scoring the season’s inaugural goal just 8:39 into the game. Johnathan Kovacevic, making his Devils debut, doubled the lead, followed by Nico Hischier’s early second-period strike. Owen Power pulled one back for the Sabres midway through the final period, but Paul Cotter sealed the deal with an empty-netter in his impressive Devils debut.
Cotter, who notched a goal and an assist, was one of several new faces making their mark on the team. Jacob Markstrom, acquired from the Calgary Flames in June, made 30 saves in his Devils debut. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 19 shots for the Sabres.
This transatlantic showdown marked the 11th season of the NHL’s European series, aimed at growing the sport’s popularity in hockey-loving nations like the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Finland. The two teams will face off again in Prague on Saturday, completing their two-game series.
The Devils, seeking redemption after missing the playoffs for the 10th time in 12 seasons, have high hopes under new coach Sheldon Keefe, who took the reins in May. Meanwhile, the Sabres will look to regroup and bounce back in the rematch.
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