While most teams have not yet finished training camp, the Devils and Sabers began their seasons today.
They faced each other in a match presented in Prague, as part of the NHL international series.
What caught the attention during the meeting? The performance of Johnathan Kovacevic, who wasted no time in establishing himself with his new club.
The former Canadian defender started by collecting an assist on the first goal of the match, which was scored by Stefan Noesen.
Kovacevic found the attacker who was all alone in the slot and the latter took the opportunity to score with a precise shot into the top corner:
Moments later, Kovacevic demonstrated (again) that he can produce offensively in the NHL.
He sent the puck to the net from the point and it found its way into the goal:
Two points from Kovacevic to start the season… Let’s just say I didn’t have that on my bingo card this morning when I got up. Hehe.
He’s still the best scorer in the NHL so far in 24-25!
But if we talk about Kovy’s performance, we also have to talk about the magnificent save made by Jacob Markstrom.
It might be the first game of the season… But it could really be the end of the season too:
Nico Hischier scored at the start of the second period to make it 3-0, but the party was still stuck in the arena on the side of the Sabers fans.
There was a nice atmosphere though:
For the sake of the cause, let us note that the third period was quieter.
Owen Power scored the Sabres’ first (and only) goal of the game, but it was too little too late.
Paul Cotter scored into an empty net to secure the victory for the Devils (4-1).
In the end, the New Jersey team started the season in the right way by winning their first match.
Sheldon Keefe must be happy, especially after seeing the newcomers (Kovacevic and Markstrom) be so good.
The goalkeeper was sensational in front of his net:
In burst
– Absolutely.
– Great training.
– What is your choice?
– It promises…
