New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres: Game preview, predictions and odds | October 4, 2024

The New Jersey Devils will take on the Buffalo Sabres as part of the NHL’s Global Series in Prague, Czechia. Both clubs will officially open their regular seasons, hoping to get off on the right track before heading back to North America.

The Devils and Sabres will face off for two games on Friday and Saturday at the O2 Arena in Prague. The games promise to be fast-paced, spirited affairs, as there is plenty of young talent on both sides.

So, let’s take a closer look at the game preview, predictions and odds for Friday's showdown between the Devils and the Sabres.

New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres: Game Pre͏vie͏w

New Jersey heads into the Global Series with new coach Sheldon Keefe behind the bench. Keefe has stressed the need for a high-intensity game that suits stars like captain Nico Hischier and Luke Hughes.

Also, New Jersey features a new goaltender in Jacob Markstrom, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Calgary Flames. Top defenseman Dougie Hamilton will also be back in the lineup after missing most of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.

As for the Buffalo Sabres, former New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff returned to Buffalo this offseason. Ruff will deploy a lineup loaded with talent led by team captain Rasmus Dahlin. Stars like Dylan Cozens and Tage Thompson will lead the attack.

The Sabres will also feature netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who was signed to a long-term extension in the summer. This combination of talent and leadership behind the bench promises to give the Sabres an opportunity to return to the playoffs after a 13-year absence.

Fans should expect an uptempo affair with plenty of scoring chances. As such, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see high-scoring games between these two talented clubs.

New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres: Odds & Predicti͏ons

CBS Sports reports the following lines for this matchup:

• Money line: Devils -153, Sabres +128
• Puck line: Devils -1.5 (+157)
• Over/Under: 6.5 goals

New Jersey enters as the favorite to win on Friday evening. So, fans could take a safer bet by picking New Jersey on the money line. However, fans looking to go against the odds could pick Buffalo as the Sabres may come up with a big win.

Additionally, this matchup favors picking the over as both teams have the firepower to score plenty of goals. Fans shouldn’t be surprised to find a 5-4 or 6-5 final score. While it’s doubtful the game will be a blowout, both teams can score quickly.

Lastly, the puck line shows the contest could be a one-goal game. It’s like the game will be high-scoring but close. So, fans might want to think twice about taking the over for the puck line.

New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres: Betting tips

First, be sure to check the lines leading up to the game. Often, lines change as oddsmakers get more information about lineup changes and injuries.

Please note that lines can also change as more and more fans bet on a particular team. These changes could be an indication that one team is more heavily favored than the other.

Second, fans should check out their favorite sportsbook’s props. Props like goals by a player or total shots on goal could be an interesting way to add another dimension to the game.

Lastly, fans should look at various sportsbooks to see which offers the best lines. There are cases in which lines vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. So, shopping around could be a good way to find lines and props to suit every fan’s interests.