The 2024 NHL season begins on Friday afternoon when the New Jersey Devils take on the Buffalo Sabres at the O2 Arena in Prague.
This game will be the first of two meetings between the teams in Prague as part of the 2024 NHL Global Series, which will also see regular-season action in Finland in early November.
As we get set for hockey’s return, let’s examine the latest betting odds for this matchup and dig into my Devils vs Sabres prediction and best bets.
Devils vs Sabres Odds
NHL odds are current as of Tuesday, Oct. 1, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Devils (-155) vs Sabres (+130)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+150) vs Sabres +1.5 (-180)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-108) / Under 6.5 (-112)
Devils vs Sabres Prediction
Sabres 5, Devils 3
There are many unknown variables in this matchup, as both teams are playing their first game with new head coaches in an unfamiliar environment halfway across the world.
I typically wouldn’t glean much from preseason results, but it’s worth noting that the Sabres have looked the sharper of the two teams during the exhibition season. They also could have an advantage in the opener after spending more time abroad. Buffalo beat EHC Red Bull Munchen 5-0 in Germany on Sept. 27, giving it more time to adjust.
While the Devils have loftier expectations for the season ahead, it’s easy to forget that the Sabres finished with three more points than New Jersey last season. The acquisition of goaltender Jacob Markstrom is supposed to help NJ shore up its porous defense, but the veteran allowed six goals on 45 shots across two preseason appearances.
Give me the Sabres to pull off the upset.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Devils vs Sabres Best Bets
Sabres ML (+130)
Buffalo has additional motivation to win this game. Returning head coach Lindy Ruff, who led the franchise to the postseason eight times during his initial tenure, was fired by New Jersey last March.
While that won’t have anything to do with the outcome of this contest, I’m taking the underdog in a game that has a lot of variance. Take the Sabres to win outright as one of your best hockey bets today.
Over 6.5 Goals (-108)
All three meetings between these two teams last season featured at least seven goals, and two of them had nine.
The Devils were one of the best Over teams in the league (46-34-2), mainly due to their inability to keep the puck out of their net. Until they prove otherwise, I’m backing the Over.
