April 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Jersey Devils middle Nico Hischier (13 years outdated) watches the primary quarter of the sport in opposition to the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Middle. Necessary Credit score: Kyle Ross-Imagn Photos The 2023-24 season will likely be considered one of disappointment for each the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres.
Nonetheless, after respective offseasons of serious change, each groups look to begin 2024 on a optimistic observe after they play the primary of two video games within the 2024 NHL International Collection on Friday in Prague, Czech Republic – Czech Republic 25 season.
The Devils ranked twenty third within the NHL final season with 81 factors, a major drop from the 112 factors they completed third within the league in 2022-23. That season, they received off to a 16-3-0 begin, together with a 13-game profitable streak, and made the playoffs for the second time in 11 years.
“It’s vital for us to get off to a superb begin,” New Jersey basic supervisor Tom Fitzgerald advised NHL.com of the upcoming season. “…These 13 video games have helped cushion the loss. ball interval (December, 1-7-1) since you’re nonetheless enjoying with on line casino cash.”
Fitzgerald labored onerous this summer time to get his crew again on monitor. He added goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames and added free-agent defensemen Brett Tempo and Brenden Dillon, one of many high bluelines available on the market.
Sheldon Keefe was employed to switch interim head coach Travis Inexperienced, who was employed after Lindy Ruff was employed on March 4. Alternative after dismissal.
“We all know what to do,” Devils captain Nico Hischier stated. “We all know the right way to get right into a rhythm shortly. We simply must do it professionally. No excuses.”
In the meantime, Love is now behind the bench for the Sabers. He is chargeable for main the crew again to the playoffs for the primary time since 2011, when he was the final Buffalo coach to take action.
After years of a seemingly endless rebuild, hope emerged when Buffalo fell one level behind the Florida Panthers for a second Jap Convention wild card within the 2022-23 season. Nonetheless, inconsistent efficiency within the 2023-24 season triggered the crew to drop seven factors, extending the crew’s playoff drought to an NHL-record 13 seasons.
Basic supervisor Kevyn Adams employed Ruff six days after firing Don Granato. Adams and the gamers mentioned the necessity and need for accountability, which is a part of the construction Love dropped at the desk.
The Sabers purchased out the ultimate three years of Jeff Skinner’s contract and revamped their backside six so as to add depth and make the crew harder to play in opposition to. Adams acquired Ryan McLeod from the Edmonton Oilers in trade for extremely regarded prospect Matt Savoy. He traded Baker Marenstein and signed Jason Zucker, Sam Rafferty and Nicolas Aub-Kubel.
Sabers gamers shortly embraced Love’s system.
“Simply this crew and the way we have performed within the preseason, the mentality that we’ve got going into all these video games, I believe it is phenomenal,” Buffalo ahead Alex Tuch stated. “We’re doing it proper. We have to play the best way we have to win some video games.”
They’re going to be seeking to bounce again after Tach, Tach Thompson and Dylan Cozens declined offensively final season. Buffalo additionally hopes forwards JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn, defenseman Owen Energy and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will proceed to develop. Lukonen ascended to the No. 1 spot final season and signed a five-year contract extension within the offseason.
They may do all of it underneath the management of recent captain Rasmus Dahlin, who was appointed on September 26.
“His presence and the best way folks feed off his vitality…it is enjoyable to observe, truthfully,” Rafferty stated.
–Scene-level media
