The Sabres did a good job at limiting the Devils, a team everyone predicts will be an offensive buzzsaw this season, to just a handful of high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-5. Buffalo did let up three goals and had a couple of breakdowns, but overall it was more good than bad in their own zone.

Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.

The New Jersey Devils will play the Buffalo Sabres in two games in Prague, Czechia to open the season. The games will be part of the “2024 NHL Global Series.” The games will take place Friday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.