Jacob Markstrom stopped 30 shots, and Paul Cotter scored an empty-net goal and had an assist in his first game with New Jersey as the Devils defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 on Friday in the NHL season opener held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
After former NHL star Jaromir Jagr, who still plays in the Czech league, dropped the ceremonial puck, Stefan Noesen scored the first goal of the season 8:39 into the game, putting New Jersey ahead.
Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic, also making his debut with the Devils, increased the lead to 2-0. Nico Hischier scored early in the second period, and Owen Power got the Sabres on the board midway through the third. Cotter sealed the game with a goal, making it 4-1.
“Everyone really came together and wanted to compete at a high level tonight, and I think they got after it right from the start,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said. “From the opening face-off we were all over the net within 10 seconds.”
The games played on Friday and Saturday are part of the NHL global series. Two more international games will take place in Tampere, Finland, on November 1-2, featuring the defending Stanley Cup champions, Florida, against the Dallas Stars.
This marks the 11th season the NHL has played games in Europe to help grow its fan base in countries passionate about hockey, like the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Finland.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen saved 19 shots for Buffalo.
The Sabres are aiming to end a 13-season playoff drought this year. Coach Lindy Ruff, who led them to their last playoff appearance in 2011, is back after being fired by New Jersey.
During his earlier time with Buffalo from 1997 to 2012, the team advanced to the playoffs eight times and reached the Stanley Cup final in 1999.
“The start was probably the biggest difference in the hockey game,” Ruff said. “They were quicker to loose pucks and won more 50-50 battles early on, and I thought that was the difference in the game.”
