Paul Cotter on Friday had a goal and an assist in his Devils debut as New Jersey beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 in the NHL regular-season opener played in the Czech Republic capital.
After former NHL great Jaromir Jagr, who still plays in the Czech league, dropped a ceremonial puck, Stefan Noesen became the first scorer of the season as he put New Jersey up 1-0. Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic made it 2-0 and Nico Hischier scored early in the second period before Owen Power got the Sabres on the scoreboard midway through the third.
Cotter made it 4-1 on an open net.
Photo: AP
The teams’ series of games on Friday and yesterday is part of the NHL global series. Two more international games are to be played in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1 and 2, when defending Stanley Cup champions the Florida Panthers face the Dallas Stars.
This is the 11th season the NHL has played in Europe as part of its efforts to grow the fan base in ice hockey-mad countries such as the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland and others.
After failing to make the playoffs for the 10th time in 12 seasons, New Jersey had valuable contributions from newcomers. Coach Sheldon Keefe was hired in May after being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kovacevic was acquired in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, Cotter in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and goaltender Jacob Markstrom in a trade with the Calgary Flames.
Photo: AP
Buffalo were unable to take advantage of four power plays.
Before the puck was dropped, players and spectators observed 13 seconds of silence to honor Johnny Gaudreau. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was killed along with his brother Matthew on Aug. 29 while bicycling in New Jersey.
Markstrom saved 30 shots in his New Jersey debut, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 19 saves for the Sabres.
Photo: AFP
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