Devils vs. Sabres Preview

The Devils will be facing the Sabres Wednesday night at The Prudential Center after winning two big games on the road against the Rangers and the red hot Penguins. They will be looking for just their second win at home this season against Ryan Miller and the Sabres, who have gotten off to a great start with a 6-1-1 record. Ryan Miller leads the league in save percentage with .940 and is second in the league (behind Bryzgalov) in GAA, with a mere 1.69.

This will be the Devils first game after hearing they will be without leading defenseman Paul Martin and their best penalty killer Jay Pandolfo for 4-6 weeks. Martin has a fractured lower left arm and Pandolfo will be tending to a right shoulder injury. It is unfortunate the Devils have to begin the process of playing without these two bench-marks, against a very capable Buffalo team, who are playing great defensively thanks to their man between the pipes. Granted, the Sabres do not have that stout offense like they did a few years ago, but with defensive minded Pandolfo and D-man Martin out of the lineup, they will have to keep Vanek’s opportunities to a minimum because he is the biggest threat that they have.

I expect the Devils to play hard in this one as they always do when they face adversity like this. I also see Marty playing especially well because he knows Miller has started out great and he usually responds quite well to the challenge of a hot opposing goalie. Also, let’s not forget that they haven’t come to play at home this season. I am sure the coaches have let that be known to them because they need to start enforcing some home ice advantage of some kind or else teams will just expect to waltz into Newark unscathed. But, I look for them to right the ship Wednesday and get their second win at home this year behind a stellar performance from Brodeur.