Prague, Czechia (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres scored first, but the New Jersey Devils were able to answer back and win for the second-straight day in Prague, this time by a 3-1 score on Saturday afternoon at 02 Arena.
The Sabres had the first power play chance of the game after Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon was called for interference after a hit to JJ Peterka in the neutral zone. Dillon was originally assessed a five-minute major, but it was downgraded to a two-minute minor after a review of the play.
Alex Tuch went after Dillon after the hit on Peterka, and the two dropped the gloves.
Neither team was able to score in the first 20 minutes of the game. Both the Sabres and New Jersey each had power play chances, but could not convert. Devon Levi made 12 saves in his 2024-25 regular season debut.
The first goal of the game was the result of a loose puck after Devils goalie Jake Allen could not control the rebound. Tage Thompson was credited with his first goal of the season at the side of the crease.
Alex Tuch took the initial shot that could not be handled, with Jordan Greenway skating to the front of the net along with Thompson. The goal gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead midway through the game.
New Jersey was able to capitalize on a power play chance several minutes later that allowed them to tie the score at 1-1 in the middle period. Seamus Casey scored his first career NHL goal, skating in from the blue line and wristing a shot past Levi.
Peterka was ruled out for the remainder of the game following the hit he received from Dillon in the first period.
New Jersey was able to take their first lead of the game with a goal nearly halfway through the third period. Paul Cotter scored for the second-straight game, as he received a pass from center Jack Hughes and was able to make a move in the slot for the goal.
The Sabres' deficit reached two goals minutes later when Timo Meier was able to score on an open net following a pass from below the goal line by Jesper Bratt. Meier's first goal of the year helped New Jersey extend the lead to 3-1 with under six minutes remaining in regulation.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
NJD: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 8:18 - Tage Thompson (1) (Jordan Greenway, Alex Tuch)
NJD: 11:59 - Seamus Casey (1) PPG (Erik Haula, Stefan Noesen)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
NJD: 7:18 - Paul Cotter (2) (Jack Hughes); 14:14 - Timo Meier (1) (Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes)
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Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Seamus Casey - NJD
2.) Jack Hughes - NJD
3.) Devon Levi - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres will have a few days to regroup after returning from Prague. Buffalo will welcome the Los Angeles Kings for the home opener at KeyBank Center on Thursday night.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. The Steve Foley Law Pregame Show with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog begins at 6 p.m. ET.