G1 New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres: Let the games begin

The Devils carry high expectations following a very active off-season. Can they hit the ground running against their former bench boss?

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A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. Buffalo:

Markstrom debuts

Jacob Markstrom made two appearances during preseason play and they didn’t necessarily go well.

The star netminder conceded six goals on 42 shots at 5v5 while ranking 25th among 30 goaltenders (80+ minutes) in 5v5 save percentage. His numbers were even less flattering against high-danger shots – Markstrom’s HDSV% (.636) slotted him 28th out of 30.

While I don’t think two iffy preseason games are cause for concern, Markstrom best shake off the rust in a hurry.

The Devils had quite a few breakdowns during their preseason schedule and there will undoubtedly be growing pains as they adjust to playing a new style of hockey. Not to mention, they’re without a couple of their best defensemen due to injury.

We should probably expect more defensive miscues and sloppy mistakes now than we’d see down the road. Buffalo certainly has dangerous weapons capable of taking advantage so Markstrom will need to be on his game in the opener.

Start on time

I can’t put enough emphasis on how important a good start is. So often last year the Devils were sleepwalking out of the gates and found themselves down multiple goals in the early going. A lot of games felt over before they really even got going. That can’t be the case again. The Devils simply have to find a way to put their foot on the ground and play competitively from the jump.

If they don’t, they’re going to have their work cut out for them against UPL and the Sabres.

From January 1st onwards, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen ranked 2nd among all NHL goaltenders in Goals Saved Above Expected. He was an absolute monster.

Being forced to erase an early deficit against a goaltender of his caliber is not an easy task. Not to mention, the Sabres did a great job of adding more defensive acumen to their forward group in the off-season.

Oh, and for all Lindy Ruff’s faults, he had the Devils top-10 in win percentage from 2022-24 when leading after 20 minutes and after 40 minutes. His teams are not easy to come back against.

Blender SZN?