Prague, Czechia (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - The Buffalo Sabres opened the 2024-25 season on Friday with a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils at 02 Arena in Prague in Game 1 of the NHL Global Series.
The Sabres had the first power play chance of the game, receiving a two-minute man advantage after Erik Haula was called for slashing. However, New Jersey was able to kill off the first penalty of the game.
Stefan Noesen scored the first goal of the game, and first goal of the season for the Devils nearly nine minutes into the game. Johnathan Kovacevic was credited with the lone assist on the goal that gave the Devils a 1-0 lead over Buffalo.
New Jersey doubled its lead to 2-0 late in the first period thanks to a puck that was deflected in front of the net. Kovacevic was credited with the goal that hit a Sabres player before getting past goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Despite early pressure by the Sabres, New Jersey was able to score less than five minutes into the second period and extend their lead to three. Nico Hischier's first goal, and second point of the game allowed New Jersey to enjoy a 3-0 lead over Buffalo.
The Sabres had their second power play chance of the game after Curtis Lazar was called for holding. However, Buffalo was unable to trim their deficit with the special teams advantage.
Buffalo outshot New Jersey in the second period, 11-8, while the Devils led in shots on goal through 40 minutes, 19-18.
The Sabres' first goal of the season came with just less than 10 minutes remaining in the third period when defenseman Owen Power was able to bury a chance at the side of the net. Sabres winger JJ Peterka made the pass and received an assist, along with defenseman Bowen Byram.
Power's first goal of the year made the score 3-1, New Jersey.
However, Paul Cotter scored an empty-net goal to extend New Jersey's lead back to three goals, 4-1, with under three minutes remaining in regulation.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
NJD: 8:39 - Stefan Noesen (1) (Jonathan Kovacevic); 15:38 - Johnathan Kovacevic (1) (Jonas Seigenthaler, Nico Hischier)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
NJD: 3:29 - Nico Hischier (1) (Nathan Bastian, Paul Cotter)
Third Period:
BUF: 10:07 - Owen Power (1) (JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram)
NJD: 17:28 - Paul Cotter (1) ENG (Nathan Bastian)
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What's next:
The Sabres and Devils will meet again on Saturday to complete the NHL Global Series in Prague. The puck drops at 10 a.m. ET on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. The Steve Foley Law Pregame Show with Brian Koziol live at 02 Arena begins at 9 a.m. ET.