Game Preview: Devils (15-7-1) at Buffalo Sabres (9-10-4)

Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

The Devils will head into Buffalo for a Black Friday matchup against the Sabres. The Sabres have had another struggle of a year, led by familiar face Lindy Ruff, and sit in last place in the Atlantic Division. However, much like the Blues, the Devils cannot take this team lightly. The Sabres are a puzzling team because they have some truly spectacular players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch, yet they just cannot figure out how to climb the standings.

One of Buffalo's glaring problems is allowing the seventh most goals in the league per game at 3.44. Interestingly enough, despite allowing plenty of goals, they have the league's second-ranked penalty kill unit. This should be a good opportunity for the Devils to get some 5-on-5 goal scoring. The Devils will continue to rely on the top line, which has unquestionably stepped up in Hughes' absence. Nico Hischier has eight points in his last three outings, Timo Meier has a goal in his last three games, and Jesper Bratt has four points in that span as well. You don't want all of your points coming from the top-line, but you absolutely need them to lead the way.

We'll see who gets the start in net for the Devils. Markstrom has been solid in consecutive wins for the team, but with the team on a back-to-back, you'll see both goalies, just unsure of the order.

Keys to the Game

Get Some Scoring From the Bottom Six

The Devils desperately need someone from the middle to the bottom of the lineup to give them something offensively. You cannot be one-dimensional because it is not sustainable. I wanna see guys like Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen to make some noise with their opportunities and get on the board.