NHL: New Jersey spoils coach Sheldon Keefe’s evening

New Jersey, the NHL team with the most Swiss skaters (3), missed out on its first match of the 2024-2025 season at home. On the night of Thursday to Friday, at the Prudential Center filled with 16,764 spectators, the Devils quickly lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Trailing 0-3 after 15 minutes, they finally lost 2-4.

Did they pay the bill for a grueling express return trip to Prague, Czech Republic, where they began their campaign against Buffalo (two wins) last Friday and Saturday? Did they simply, as happens from time to time, experience a “free evening”? Or are there more obscure reasons that explain this hiccup?

Still, Valais captain Nico Hischier (25 years old, differential of -2) and his teammates spoiled the evening for their fans and their new coach. Ontarian Sheldon Keefe had spent the last five years behind the Leafs bench before being fired on May 9, 2024 and was certainly driven by a desire for revenge.

In the 40th minute, Appenzell right winger Timo Meier (28) scored the Devils’ second goal. A gesture which did not arouse emotions among his teammates. Zurich defender Jonas Siegenthaler (27) maintained a neutral differential during the 20’47” spent on the playing area.

Two other Helvetians blackened the score sheet.

At the Bridgestone Arena, where his Nashville team was beaten by Dallas (3-4), Bernese defender Roman Josi (34), who skated for 29’07” (!), was credited with a assist.

At the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, Los Angeles pocketed the two points against the Sabers (1-3). Kings Saint-Welsh left winger Kevin Fiala (28) was involved in the winning goal awarded to Slovenian center Anze Kopitar, author of a hat-trick. On the power play, he collected an assist.