What Happened
The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Prudential Center, marking their return to action after a 19-day hiatus. The Sabres utilized this break to conduct five extensive practices, focusing on refining their gameplay and shaking off any rust. Coach Lindy Ruff noted that the team revisited their previous 3-1 victory over the Devils, emphasizing the importance of maintaining successful strategies from that game.
Why It Matters
Currently, the Sabres hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with an 11-4-2 record since their 10-game winning streak ended. The urgency of the upcoming games is palpable, as forward Jason Zucker stated, “The mindset now is we’re already in the playoffs.” This sentiment reflects the competitive nature of the league as teams vie for playoff positions in the final stretch of the season.
What’s Next
As the NHL season resumes, both teams are looking to build momentum. Notably, Buffalo’s Tage Thompson and New Jersey’s Jack Hughes return from Olympic success, with Hughes scoring the overtime winner for Team USA in the gold medal game. The game will be broadcasted locally on MSG and nationally on ESPN, providing fans with multiple viewing options.
