The Devils defeated the Sabers 4-1 in the NHL regular season opener in Prague

PRAGUE – Paul Cotter scored a goal and an assist in his Devils debut as New Jersey defeated the Buffalo Sabers 4-1 in their NHL regular season opener in the Czech capital (commonly known in English as the Czech Republic) on Friday. .

After former NHL star Jaromir Jagr, who still plays in the Czech league, dropped a celebratory puck, Stefan Noesen was the first scorer of the season after 8:39 minutes and gave the Devils the lead. Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic, also making his New Jersey debut, made it 2-0, and then Nico Hischier scored early in the second period before Owen Power got the Sabers on the scoreboard midway through the final period. Cotter scored at the open net to make it 4-1.

The teams’ two-game series on Friday and Saturday is part of the NHL Global Series. Two more international games will be played in Tampere, Finland on November 1st and 2nd when defending Stanley Cup champion Florida takes on the Dallas Stars.

The game began Friday with a 13-second silence by players and spectators in honor of Johnny Gaudreau. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was killed along with his brother Matthew on August 29 while cycling near their hometown of Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Jacob Markstrom, acquired from the Calgary Flames in June, stopped 30 shots in his New Jersey debut.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 19 saves for the Sabres.

The Devils, who failed to make the playoffs last spring for the 10th time in 12 seasons, hired coach Sheldon Keefe in May.

This is the 11th season the NHL has played in Europe to grow the local fan base in hockey-loving countries such as the Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland.

Next up: The teams will conclude their series on Saturday in Prague.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.