The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres are set to open up the NHL campaign in Prague on Friday afternoon.
Expectations are high for both clubs following disappointing seasons that naturally led to a lot of summer activity.
My Devils vs. Sabres predictions see New Jersey star defenseman Dougie Hamilton making an impact offensively in his first regular season game in 11 months.
Let’s break it down with my NHL picks for October 4.
Devils vs Sabres prediction
My best bet
Dougie Hamilton Over 2.5 shots (-135 at bet365)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
Dougie Hamilton is one of the best volume-shooting defensemen in the sport. Last season he generated three shots or more in 71% of the games he logged at least 18 minutes of ice time (this excludes the contest he suffered a season-ending injury in).
Hamilton consistently cleared this line despite mostly quarterbacking the second power-play unit, taking away a prime situation to generate shots.
With Luke Hughes sidelined until November, Hamilton finds himself back where he’s been most of his career — on the top power-play unit.
He also skates on the top pairing at even strength and could get more ice than generally planned due to the absences of minute-munching defensemen like Hughes and off-season addition Brett Pesce.
Hamilton’s offensive game showed no signs of rust during preseason play. The New Jersey Devils generated shot attempts at a higher rate with Hamilton on the ice than any of the 45 skaters they used.
He was responsible for plenty of the volume, attempting 25 shots over just three games. That’s more than eight per contest.
With Hamilton playing on the top pairing and top power play in what should be a healthy-paced game against a talented young Buffalo Sabres team, I expect the volume will continue to be there.
Devils vs Sabres same-game parlay (SGP)
Dougie Hamilton Over 2.5 shots
Nico Hischier Over 1.5 shots
Tage Thompson Over 1.5 shots
This is the first game of the season and it's a unique contest being played across the world. We don’t have much data to go off of so I think it’s smart to be a little more conservative with this SGP.
Nico Hischier is projected to center Tomas Tatar and Dawson Mercer on the second line. Those two wingers combined for 29 goals a season ago, so it’s fair to assume Hischier will take on more of a role as a shooter than if he were playing with Timo Meier and/or Jesper Bratt.
Hischier recorded at least two shots in 75% of his games last season and has hit in seven of the past nine against the Sabres.
Tage Thompson is an extremely appealing target as well. He centers the top line and power play for Buffalo. After somewhat of a down year, he’ll be looking to rebound and take his goal scoring back to the levels we saw in 2022-23.
Thompson is a shooting machine and recorded at least two shots in 87% of his games a season ago. He’s also cleared this line in eight consecutive games against the Devils.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Devils vs Sabres odds
Devils vs Sabres live odds
Devils vs Sabres opening odds
- Puck line: New Jersey -1.5 | Buffalo +1.5
- Moneyline: New Jersey -142 | Buffalo +126
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Devils vs Sabres moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Devils have taken a little money and are now trading as -144 favorites at Pinnacle. But there has not been much notable movement to speak of.
- The total remains at 6.5 but the Under is now priced at -120. Perhaps the market is expecting some rust in an overseas opener.
- New Jersey has won seven of its past 10 games against Buffalo.
- Eight of the last 10 head-to-head meetings featured seven goals or more.
Devils vs Sabres trend
The Devils closed as favorites in seven of their last 10 meetings against the Sabres. They won all seven of those games. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Sabres.
Devils vs Sabres game info
| Location: | O2 Arena, Prague, CZ |
| Date: | Friday, 10-4-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NHL Network, Sportsnet |
Devils vs Sabres latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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