Oct 27, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Erik Haula (56) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Gameday Preview: Devils vs. Sabres. Lazar Remains Questionable.
The New Jersey Devils will host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night at Prudential Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. The Devils held an optional morning skate. Per the team, the only players on the ice were Akira Schmid, Vitek Vanecek, Max Willman, and Timo Meier.
Tonight is the Devils' annual Hockey Fights Cancer night.
Per the press release, New Jersey will host 13-year-old Charlie Shomers, a cancer patient and lifelong Devils fan, and his family at the game. Charlie, from Hillsborough, New Jersey, was diagnosed with Ependymoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in July earlier this year. After a successful surgery in July to remove the tumor and six weeks of radiation therapy treatment, Charlie completed treatment in October at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and is on the road to recovery.
His gameday experience will include a one-day contract signed by General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, an official jersey and locker stall, meet and greet with his favorite Devils player, Jack Hughes, watch warmups from the penalty box, join the starting lineup read in the locker room, participate in a ceremonial puck drop, and ride the Zamboni during the second intermission.
Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres - Prudential Center
Tonight will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Devils earned a 5-4 victory over the Sabres on Friday, Oct. 27. Kevin Bahl enters tonight's game with four points in four games versus Buffalo, including points in his last three contests.
The Sabres are sixth in the Metropolitan Divison (9-9-2). They are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Victor Olofsson collected two assists and has six points in his last five games. Throughout his career, he has earned 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 16 games versus New Jersey.
- New Jersey's injury report includes Nico Hischier (upper body), Timo Meier (lower body), Tomas Nosek (upper body), and Curtis Lazar (lower body) is questionable versus the Sabres.
- Buffalo's injury report includes Zemgus Girgensons (lower body), Jack Quinn (Achilles), and Tage Thompson (upper body).
- Jack Hughes has earned at least a point in his last six meetings with Buffalo dating back to April 8, 2021.
- Per the media notes, JJ Peterka has registered 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in his last 13 games, including at least one point in four of his previous five games. If he plays tonight, it will mark his 100th NHL game.
- Defenseman Colin Miller appeared in 137 for the Sabres over three seasons. He earned 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists).
- Vitek Vanecek is 9-2-1 in 12 games with a goals-against average of 2.42 and a save percentage of .920 versus the Sabres in his career. Akira Schmid has a 1-0-0 record in two games with a goals-against average of 3.39 and a save percentage of .902 against the Sabres in his career.
The Devils own 23 power-play goals after 18 games played this season. The 23 power-play goals are tied for the second most in franchise history after the team's opening 18 games from the start of a season.
Projected Lineup
New Jersey:
Last night's lineup:
Tyler Toffoli - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt
Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer - Curtis Lazar
Ondrej Palat - Michael McLeod - Alexander Holtz
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Brendan Smith - Chris Tierney - Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler - Dougie Hamilton
Kevin Bahl - John Marino
Luke Hughes - Colin Miller
Vitek Vanecek/Akira Schmid
**After the team's morning skate, head coach Lindy Ruff said they have decisions to make when it comes to their lineup.
Buffalo:
Last night's lineup:
Jeff Skinner - Dylan Cozens - Alex Tuch
Zach Benson - Casey Mittelstadt - JJ Peterka
Zemgus Girgensons - Peyton Krebs - Kyle Okposo
Victor Olofsson - Tyson Jost
Rasmus Dahlin - Mattias Samuelsson
Owen Power - Ryan Johnson
Erik Johnson - Connor Clifton
Henri Jokiharju
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen/Devon Levi
**After last night's game, head coach Don Granato said to expect a recall at forward in advance of Saturday’s game.
Watch & Listen: Today's game will be broadcast on MSGSN. Bill Spaulding will handle play-by-play alongside analyst Ken Daneyko and host Erika Wachter. Fans can also listen on the Devils Hockey Network with Matt Loughlin on play-by-play.
