3 major takeaways from New Jersey Devils' win in season opener vs Buffalo Sabres

The New Jersey Devils opened the 2024-25 regular season with a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. The first leg of the global series marked the season opener for both clubs.

With a solid game in Prague, Czechia, coach Sheldon Keefe got his first win behind the Devils’ bench, while the loss spoiled Lindy Ruff’s first game back with the Sabres.

Stefan Noesen, Jonathan Kovacevic and captain Nico Hischier scored for the New Jersey Devils. Paul Cotter added an empty-netter late in the third to seal the win for the Devils. Meanwhile, Owen Power got the Sabres on the board midway through the third.

So, here’s a look at the three major takeaways from the New Jersey Devils-Buffalo Sabres season opener in Czechia.

3 major takeaways from New Jersey Devils' win in season opener vs Buffalo Sabres

#1. The Devils dominated throughout the game

While the Sabres outshot the Devils 31-23, the Devils controlled most of the game. They went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill while playing a much more physical style of hockey. New Jersey blocked more shots and got far more scoring chances than the Sabres.

Most importantly, the New Jersey Devils came flying out of the gate, scoring twice in the first period. That set the tone for the rest of the night, as the Sabres tried to come back but could not sustain enough momentum.

#2. Jacob Markstrom had a solid debut

Jacob Markstrom stymied the Sabres all game long. He made 30 saves, keeping the Devils ahead.

Two huge saves stand out. First, Markstrom robbed Dylan Cozens in close in the first period. Cozen was all alone in front of the net, but Markstrom got the big glove out to make the stop.

Second, Markstrom denied Zach Benson in a Sabres’ power play in the second period. Benson had a wide-open cage, but Markstrom slid across to make an acrobatic save.

Then, there was the save on Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who slid the puck into an open net, but Markstrom reached back with his stick to keep the puck out. This save is an early candidate for one of the best saves of the season.

Despite the lack of high-quality scoring chances, the Sabres could have gotten back in the game had it not been for Markstrom. Markstrom’s performance earned him the game’s second star.

#3. The Sabres’ lapses haunted them

While the New Jersey Devils played a solid game, the Sabres’ lapses ultimately got to them. The Devils capitalized on several Buffalo giveaways, leading to scoring chances.

The goal by Stefan Noesen was a prime example. The goal started with Jonathan Kovacevic picking off a clearing pass up the boards and then feeding Noesen for the goal.

Similarly, the empty-netter late in the game resulted from a misplayed puck at the Sabres’ line that Cotter buried home.

Lastly, Nico Hischier’s goal began with a failed clearing attempt that kept the Sabres pinned in their own zone. The Devils kept the pressure before Hischier walked up to the front of the net to get the loose puck and score.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday for the second leg of the global series before heading back to North America.