The Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils meet Thursday in NHL action at the O2 Arena. Here’s a Buffalo Sabres vs New Jersey Devils Prediction. This article will include a Buffalo Sabres vs New Jersey Devils Pick.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils won 38 games last season and now begin the Sheldon Keefe era. The Devils have made the playoffs just twice since the 2012-13 season, but there’s a lot of optimism considering they’re top-5 in Stanley Cup odds entering the season.
The Devils are an above average offense that brings back 5 of its 6 players that scored at least 20 goals. The issue last year was defense, but that should be less of an issue with the additions of goalie Jacob Markstrom and defenseman Brenden Dillon. A full season of Dougie Hamilton would also go a long way, as he played just 20 games last season due to injury. The Devils have won just one playoff series in over a decade. On paper, that should change, as the Devils are capable of winning a competitive metropolitan division.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres won 39 games last season and haven’t made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season. It’s the longest drought in the NHL. The Sabres begin the Lindy Ruff era, as he coached the Devils last season. If things go well this year, Ruff should become the fourth most winningest coach in NHL history.
Outside of the addition of Jason Zucker, the Sabres didn’t do much this offseason that convince anybody the drought will end. The Sabres also say goodbye to Jeff Skinner. A full season of Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn would go a long way, as they all missed a chunk of time last year. JJ Peterka has gotten more productive in each of his first 3 seasons, and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is coming off a great year with 91 percent saves and 5 shutouts. The Sabres have the talent to make a playoff push, but there’s reason to doubt, as Fast Five was in theaters the last time they did.
Why the New Jersey Devils will win
- The favorites have won seven of the Sabres’ last eight games.
- The Devils have won the third period in four of their last five games against the Sabres.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in three of the Sabres’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Alex Tuch has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres’ last five games against the Devils.
- Alex Tuch has recorded at least one point in 10 of his last 11 appearances against the Devils.
- Rasmus Dahlin was one of only nine Defensemen to score at least 15 Goals last season.
New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts
- Jack Hughes has scored at least one goal in six of his last eight appearances against the Sabres.
- Jesper Bratt has recorded at least one point in each of the Devils’ last six games against the Sabres.
- Luke Hughes has recorded an assist in five of the Devils’ last six games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Buffalo Sabres ranked 29th in the league in power play percentage last season (16.59%).
- The Buffalo Sabres ranked 32nd in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game last season (1.18).
- The New Jersey Devils ranked T26th in the league for goals against per game last season (3.43).
- The New Jersey Devils ranked 30th in the league in save percentage last season (.886).
Buffalo Sabres vs New Jersey Devils Prediction
I don’t put much stock into preseason, so we’re going to be feeling these teams out as they go. On paper, the Devils are the better team and one of the teams that should have legit title hopes. The Buffalo Sabres have been the same underachieving team they’ve been for years, and it’s to the point where they have to show me something before I believe things will turn around. The Devils have the offensive depth and added the pieces for the defense to no longer be the downfall. The price isn’t insanely expensive. Give me the Devils to start the season off with a victory.