Beginning with the NHL Global Series, the NHL develops its brand around the world. And the New Jersey Devils (1-5-0) versus the Buffalo Sabres (5-1-0) opening match of the season promises to be a world-class event of ice hockey. Set in the grandeur of O2 Arena, this game is scheduled to be played this Friday and can be relayed over NHL Network or its online streaming service NHL.TV. Quite intriguingly, this game not only forms a battle between two different representative establishments, at least in the standings, towards the beginning of the season but also gives ample NHL Global Series free picks and tips for those who want to grasp the complexity of the game.
New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres 10/4/24 Game Info |
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When: | Friday, October 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET |
Where: | O2 Arena |
TV: | NHL |
Stream: | NHL.TV |
New Jersey Devils (1-5-0) vs. Buffalo Sabres (5-1-0)
The Devils enter the fray with their top line under scrutiny. Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes are vital cogs, both amassing impressive points last season. However, their output hasn’t translated into wins this preseason. Just like the Ottawa Senators often do, the Devils need to capitalize on their offensive moments. Against a Sabres defense that has been relatively robust, the challenge intensifies. New Jersey must enhance their tactical execution and exploit any lapses from Buffalo’s defensive alignments to tilt the ice in their favor.
Conversely, the Sabres’ offensive thrust is spearheaded by the likes of Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch, who have maintained a steady form, mirroring last season’s effectiveness. Their ability to penetrate defenses and their strategic positioning can pose significant threats to the Devils’ defensive setup, which has shown vulnerabilities. Much like the Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo’s gameplay is about converting opportunities and maintaining pressure, crucial against a team that has struggled to keep the puck out of their net.
Goaltender Nico Daws vs. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Nico Daws needs to be back again as the Devils will be up against the Sabres whose scoring heat has been unquenchable. Daws managed a sub 90 save percentage last season and given the presence of snipers in Buffalo, he would have to raise his aim even higher. The ability to perform as expected for him could prove instrumental in enabling the Devils to remain relevant in what may be a pressure game.
At the same time, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been a great asset to the Sabres team. Luukkonen’s steady save percentage and doing the right things at the right time will be very important against a hungry New Jersey Devils team aiming to bounce back. It can’t be disputed that Luukkonen’s ability to handle the pressure of goal could in the long run ever determine the pace of this encounter and the end result.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: New Jersey Devils -1.5 (+147), Total Odds: 6.5
In moneyline terms, the betting odds still slightly favor the Devils even though they started poorly, perhaps it is due to the nature of hockey where anything can happen. Both teams have played most of their games OVER the total, so the over may be wise for trend buckers.
New Jersey Devils Betting Trends
The Devils recently scored OVER the total in 7 out of their last 10 games so this trend can be expected to carry over because they do not play great defense and both teams have to win this global series game. The last few games against Buffalo were won or lost but such games add complexity to their betting strategies.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
The Sabres have been very strong, especially at home, and the pattern of beating the Devils very heavily could happen again. Their offensive consistency will be important, and the betting trends are favorable for such bets with Buffalo being Backed in high scoring matches.
New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres 10/4/24 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and the trends in their performance, the recommendation would be to give the edge to Sabres slightly because they are currently looking in good shape and can score pretty easily which outshines the Devils’ current issues. Nevertheless, being a part of NHL Global Series gives this match an additional unpleasant risk assuming either of the teams can surprise the audience. Focusing on prop bets and considering the OVER on total goals might be the most simple bet given the scoring tendencies of both teams.
For the premium sports picks, monitoring the center performance bets, especially goaltenders performance and forwards of importance such as Hughes and Tuch, who will probably make a difference in their teams’ prospects, is advisable.