(Prague) Paul Cotter began his career with the New Jersey Devils with a goal and an assist, and he guided his new team to a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabers in the first game of the season. the National Hockey League, Friday in Prague.
After the ceremonial faceoff made by Czech legend Jaromir Jagr – who still plays in his country – Stefan Noesen scored the first goal of the season, giving the Devils the lead at 8:39 of the opening period.
Former Canadian Johnathan Kovacevic, who was also playing his first game with the Devils, doubled this lead before the end of the first period, then Nico Hischier made it 3-0 early in the second period.
“Ultimately, the group came together and wanted to offer a high level of competition tonight, and I think they set about the task from the start. From the first faceoff, we invaded the (opponent) net in less than 10 seconds,” said head coach Sheldon Keefe, who led a first game behind the Devils bench.
Owen Power scored the Sabres’ only goal, midway through the third period, and Cotter sealed the game by tucking the puck into an empty net.
Acquired from the Calgary Flames last June, goaltender Jacob Markstrom blocked 30 pucks in his first game with the Devils.
At the other end of the ice, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 19 saves.
The Sabers are hoping to end a 13-season drought without making the playoffs. Head coach Lindy Ruff, who led the team the last time it made the playoffs in 2011, is back after being fired by the Devils.
During his previous reign at the helm, the Sabers made the playoffs eight times and reached the final in 1999.
“The start was probably the biggest difference in the game,” Ruff said.
“(The Devils) were a step ahead of us in the hunt for loose pucks and won more battles early in the game. »
Before the start of the match, players and spectators observed 13 seconds of silence in tribute to Johnny Gaudreau.
PHOTO MICHAL CIZEK, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
A tribute to Johnny Gaudreau was paid at the start of the meeting.
The former Columbus Blue Jackets forward and his brother Matthew lost their lives on August 29 while riding their bikes near their hometown in Oldsman Township, New Jersey.
The Devils and Sabers will face each other again on Saturday, at the same location, as part of the NHL Universal Series.
Two other international matches will take place on 1er and November 2 in Tampere, Finland, when the Florida Panthers, reigning Stanley Cup champions, will face the Dallas Stars.
This is number 11e season where the NHL plays games in Europe as part of its efforts to grow the local fan base in hockey-loving countries like the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland and others.