The Buffalo Sabres (16-14-4) face off against the New Jersey Devils (20-14-1) in an Eastern Conference matchup that pits a streaking Sabres squad against a Devils team looking to build momentum at home before the holiday break. This game marks the first meeting between the two teams this season and could have implications for the wild-card race in the East, where both clubs are hovering around playoff contention.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This state-of-the-art arena, opened in 2007, has a seating capacity of approximately 16,514 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the Devils. It’s known for its passionate fanbase and has hosted numerous memorable NHL moments, including the Devils’ Stanley Cup runs.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. Broadcast options include MSGSN for Devils coverage and MSG-B for Sabres fans, with streaming available via Gotham Sports. Radio listeners can tune into the Devils Hockey Network.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences, but the Devils are getting healthier at a critical time.
Buffalo Sabres Injuries:
Conor Timmins (D): Out with a broken leg since December 18. He’s a depth defender whose absence impacts the blue line’s mobility.
Colten Ellis (G): Out with a concussion since December 9. As a backup goaltender, this leaves Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as the primary starter, with potential call-ups straining the roster.
Jason Zucker (F): Out with upper- and lower-body injuries since December 8. Zucker provides veteran scoring depth, and his absence hurts the middle-six forwards.
No other major injuries reported, but the Sabres will need to rely on their core to compensate.
New Jersey Devils Injuries:
The Devils have seven players on the injury list, but key returns are boosting the lineup.
Jack Hughes (F): Returning from a finger injury. He participated in morning skate and is expected to play, adding elite playmaking to the top line.
Timo Meier (F): Activated from the non-roster list after missing five games with a lower-body injury. He could return tonight, providing scoring punch on the wing. Other unspecified injuries may include depth players, but the focus is on Hughes and Meier’s availability, which could tilt the game in New Jersey’s favor.
Player Matchups to Watch
This game features intriguing battles across the ice, highlighting offensive stars against defensive units.
Jack Hughes (NJ) vs. Rasmus Dahlin (BUF): If Hughes returns, his speed and creativity will test Dahlin, Buffalo’s top defenseman and power-play quarterback. Dahlin’s physicality could disrupt Hughes’ puck possession.
Tage Thompson (BUF) vs. Dougie Hamilton (NJ): Thompson, with a 42.1% anytime goal probability in projections, brings size and a lethal shot. Hamilton, New Jersey’s offensive-minded blueliner, will need to contain him in the slot.
Timo Meier (NJ) vs. Buffalo’s Penalty Kill: Meier’s potential return adds a net-front presence. The Sabres’ PK, ranked mid-pack, must handle his physicality during special teams.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF, G) vs. New Jersey’s Top Line: Luukkonen has been solid during the win streak, but facing a healthy Devils attack led by Hughes and Nico Hischier will be a stern test.
Alex Tuch (BUF) vs. Luke Hughes (NJ): Tuch’s two-way play could exploit the younger Hughes on defense, creating odd-man rushes.
These matchups emphasize speed and scoring, with the game’s outcome potentially hinging on special teams and goaltending.
Team Records
Buffalo Sabres: 16-14-4 (36 points), sitting in the mix for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
New Jersey Devils: 20-14-1 (41 points), holding a stronger position in the Metropolitan Division, five points ahead of the Sabres in the standings.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter on positive notes, but Buffalo’s surge stands out.
Buffalo Sabres (Last 5 Games): The Sabres are on a five-game winning streak, including a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on December 20. This run has propelled them back into playoff contention, with strong goaltending and balanced scoring. Their form: W-W-W-W-W. They’ve averaged 3.4 goals per game while allowing just 2.2, showcasing improved defense.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | @ NY Islanders | W 3-2 |
| Dec 17 | vs. Opponent (prior win) | W |
| Dec 15 | vs. Opponent (prior win) | W |
| Dec 13 | vs. Opponent (prior win) | W |
| Dec 10 | vs. Opponent (prior win) | W |
New Jersey Devils (Last 5 Games): The Devils are coming off a win, but their recent form has been inconsistent: W-L-W-L-W. They’ve shown flashes of dominance but struggled defensively in losses, allowing 4+ goals in defeats. Averaging 3.2 goals scored and 3.0 allowed per game. Their last outing was a victory, setting up a potential streak.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 19 | vs. Vegas | W 2-1 |
| Dec 16 | vs. Tampa Bay | L 4-8 |
| Dec 13 | vs. Anaheim | W |
| Dec 10 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 7 | vs. Opponent | W |
Series History
The all-time series is closely contested, with the Sabres holding a slight edge. In 187 total games (including playoffs), Buffalo has 89 wins, 76 losses, 17 ties, and 5 overtime losses (52.1% win rate). Regular-season only: 86-72-17-5 (52.5%). Recent trends favor the Sabres in the 2010s (14-14-5), but the Devils dominated the 1990s (9-20-7 for Buffalo). Last season’s meetings were split, with home teams winning both. Expect a tight affair given the historical balance.
Betting Trends
Trends: The Sabres are 5-0 in their last five games, covering the spread each time. The Devils are 3-2 in their last five but 2-3 against the spread at home. Over has hit in 60% of Sabres road games and 55% of Devils home contests this season. Buffalo has cashed as underdogs in four of their last six such spots.
Game Odds
Buffalo Sabres 6.5
New Jersey Devils – 166
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
