Experts expected the New Jersey Devils to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season. Let’s say it’s off to a good start. The Newark team swept its two-game series against the Buffalo Sabers on Saturday afternoon in the Czech Republic, winning 3-1.
Tage Thompson scored the Sabres’ only goal, opening the scoring in the second period. Rookie Seamus Casey responded for the Devils with the first goal of his career on the power play. Watch in the video above.
Paul Cotter, with his second goal of the season, broke the tie in the third period. He was spotted by Jack Hughes, who finished the game with two assists.
Nice game between Hughes and Cotter –
Timo Meier scored the insurance goal, taking advantage of an open cage thanks to a maneuver by Jesper Bratt who took Devon Levi out of his net.
It was former Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen who was in front of the Devils cage. The veteran wasn’t very busy, stopping 17 pucks.
The Sabers saw their young forward JJ Peterka leave the game in the first period after being hit heavily by Brenden Dillon. Head coach Lindy indicated that his player is suffering from a concussion. Zach Benson, for his part, suffered a lower body injury.
The Devils are naturally at the top of the NHL since the other teams on the circuit are still playing preparatory games.
The Sabers and Devils played the first two games of the National League regular season in Europe as part of an initiative to promote hockey across the planet.
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