Pavel Zacha scored 3:09 into overtime to secure a 2-1 win for the New Jersey Devils against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.
Rookie goaltender Nico Daws made 24 saves in his NHL debut, while Nico Hischier netted a power-play goal for the Devils.
“We fell behind early, and my focus was just to keep us in the game,” Daws said. “I tried to stop every puck and give the team a chance to win.”
Dylan Cozens scored the lone goal for Buffalo on the power play, and Dustin Tokarski was outstanding in goal, making 37 saves.
“Our goalie was the freshest guy out there, and it showed,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “He brought great energy and did exactly what we needed him to do. He gave us a fantastic effort.”
Hischier tied the game at 5:52 of the third period, deflecting Dougie Hamilton’s shot past Tokarski. New Jersey has now scored power-play goals in back-to-back games after starting the season 0-for-5 with the man advantage.
“It’s always nice to score, but the main thing is helping the team,” Hischier said. “It feels great to contribute, but whether it’s me or someone else scoring, what matters is getting the win and those two points.”
Cozens opened the scoring early, just 3:19 into the first period. After Jeff Skinner drew a holding penalty on Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, Cozens fired a shot over Daws’ blocker to give Buffalo the lead.
Daws was solid the rest of the way, stopping the final 22 shots he faced. He also had some help from the post in the first period when Buffalo forward Vinnie Hinostroza hit both the crossbar and the left post on a shot attempt.
UP NEXT
- Sabres: Host Tampa Bay on Monday night.
- Devils: Host Calgary on Tuesday night.
