Venue Location
Prudential Center (capacity ~16,800 for hockey), Newark, New Jersey. Known as “The Rock,” this modern NHL arena features a fast ice surface that typically produces higher-scoring games and strong home-ice advantage for the Devils, though the building has seen inconsistent crowds during New Jersey’s recent playoff misses. High-energy atmosphere expected with Buffalo’s sizable Northeast fan base traveling for this midweek matchup.
Puck drop is scheduled for7:00 PM ET
- TV: MSG-B (Buffalo), MSGSN (New Jersey)
- National/Streaming: ESPN+
- Puck drop expected promptly at 7:00 PM ET; doors/gates open ~6:00 PM.
Injury Report
Buffalo Sabres
- RETURNING: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G, lower body) and Josh Norris (C, upper body) both activated from IR and expected to play. Luukkonen is Buffalo’s No. 1 netminder and gives the Sabres a massive boost in goal.
- OUT / QUESTIONABLE: Zach Benson (upper body/shoulder) – ruled out for the three-game road trip (earliest possible return weekend of Feb 28–March 1). Jordan Greenway (abdomen/hernia) – day-to-day, new treatment protocol; unlikely tonight. Justin Danforth (broken kneecap) and Conor Timmins (broken leg) – still weeks away.
New Jersey Devils
- No major new injuries reported for this game.
- Luke Hughes (D, shoulder) remains on LTIR (not eligible until Feb 28). Stefan Noesen (RW, knee) out long-term.
- Jack Hughes (C) is back from Olympic gold-medal duty and expected to play (groin concern from January resolved; he skated fully and looked sharp in Olympic play). Devils otherwise at or near full strength.
Recent Team Forms
Sabres (6-3-1 in last 10, 3.8 GF/g, 2.6 GA/g)
- Hot offense led by depth scoring and special teams. Coming off the Olympic break with fresh legs and key returns (Luukkonen + Norris). Last 5: L (PIT), L-OT (TBL), W (FLA), L (MTL), W (LAK). Excellent at generating high-danger chances.
Devils (4-6-0 in last 10, 2.0 GF/g, 2.6 GA/g)
- Entering with a 3-game losing streak (losses to NYI, CBJ, OTT). Struggling to score consistently (31st in league at 2.51 GF/g). Last 5: L (NYI), L (CBJ), L (OTT), W-OT (NSH), L (WPG). Defense has been solid but goaltending and finish have let them down.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
Tied 1-1 this season.
- Dec. 21, 2025 @ Prudential Center: Sabres 3, Devils 1
- Earlier meeting (Nov. 28 or similar): Sabres won convincingly (one source notes 5-0 margin in a prior clash).
- Buffalo has won the last two head-to-head meetings. All-time series is relatively even, but Sabres have owned the Devils in recent years when healthy.
Key Player Matchups
- Tage Thompson / Alex Tuch / Jason Zucker (BUF top line) vs. Devils’ top defensive pair (Siegenthaler / Pesce or similar): Thompson (30G leader) and Tuch (21G) are rolling; Zucker has been hot (5G in last 10).
- Jack Hughes / Nico Hischier / Jesper Bratt (NJD top line) vs. Sabres’ shutdown D (Dahlin / Power): Hughes’ speed and playmaking will test Buffalo’s transition game. Hischier (19G) is Devils’ most consistent forward.
- Rasmus Dahlin (BUF) vs. Devils’ forecheck: Dahlin leads Sabres in assists (37) and is a Norris candidate; his ability to break out under pressure is pivotal.
- Goaltending: Luukkonen (returning, .897 SV% season) vs. Jacob Markström or Vítek Vaněček (Devils tandem has been inconsistent). Edge to Buffalo with Luukkonen back.
Betting Trends & Insights
- Sabres are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games and 6-1 as a road favorite of -151 to -200.
- Buffalo games have gone OVER the total in 12 of their last 17. Sabres are 30-4-5 when scoring 3+ goals.
- Devils are 2-3 in their last 5 and 13-17 SU as home favorites in recent seasons when struggling for points.
- Season series: Both prior games stayed UNDER 6.5, but with Luukkonen returning and both teams playing high-event hockey post-break, sharp money is leaning Over.
Game Odds
Buffalo Sabres 6.5
New Jersey Devils – 118
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
