New Jersey at Buffalo

The NHL opens the season in Czechia for a Global Series game. After making the playoffs two years ago with a 52-22 record, New Jersey stumbled last season with a lot of injuries. But they've made improvements adding goaltender Jacob Markstrom, defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon, and forwards Stefan Noesen and Tomas Tatar. They also have a new coach in Sheldon Keefe, who turned Toronto into a fine team the last few years. Two years ago, the Devils had a +65 goal differential, tied for the third-best in the league. Buffalo has the youngest NHL team and brings in a new coach in Lindy Ruff. Ruff has a lot of work to do as the Sabres lost a lot of puck battles with an offense that was 23rd in goals scored and shooting percentage, while the defense was 15th in save percentage. Play New Jersey.