Just one day after head coach Sheldon Keefe lauded his team for “taking a step in the right direction,” the Devils took yet another step back. For the 8th time in their last 24 games, the Devils lost by just one goal.

In an all too familiar start, New Jersey matched Buffalo’s intensity early on. The teams went blow for blow in the opening minutes, but when the first periods final horn went off, the Devils found themselves in a three goal deficit.  

A Jake Allen misplay, on what should have been a routine stop, led to a rebound chance for Four Nations team USA snub, Tage Thompson. Thompson, who factored in three of four Buffalo goals on the day, made no mistake.

For sure this is a goal that Allen would like back. In nearly identical fashion to the flubbed attempt he had on a Scott Laughton shot in Philly, less than a week ago. That shot, also in the first period, fluttered in on Allen who could not handle it cleanly.  The rebound popped out the slot where (now ex-flyer) Joel Farabee, slid it past a prone Allen, deflating the Devils early. These are the type of saves that need to be made if this bumpy Devils stretch is ever going to level out.

Just under eight minutes later, it was Thompson again. Using his large frame to outreach Jesper Bratt in pursuit of a puck in the Devils zone, Thompson would push the puck across the ice to JJ Peterka for his 15th of the season. Another Devils miscue on this goal, as Siegenthaler gravitated toward the puck carrier. Failing to intercept/block the pass and leaving Peterka unchecked and all alone in front of Allen.

Just under four minutes later, with the Devils on the power play, it was Hamilton’s turn. An ill-advised pinch in an attempt to keep a puck in the zone was unsuccessful, springing Ryan McLeod, who may have a shortage of teeth but definitely not a shortage of speed, 3-0 Buffalo.

After one, the Devils found themselves in a spot they’ve been in far too often this season, down multiple goals to start. The Devils gave themselves no room for error after another poor open. While the Sabres with their cushion, could play free, loose, pressure free hockey.

New Jersey would however push back. One bright spot was getting some much needed depth scoring, provided by Paul Cotter, who netted two goals, breaking 10 game goalless drought. Cotter’s second made it 4-2, just 18 seconds into the third period and gave the Devils a much needed spark.
Jack Hughes later scored his first career short handed goal on a five minute kill. Hughes’ goal took place while Stefan Noesen was off for a major penalty for his hit on Tage Thompson. A beautiful five-hole slip made the game 4-3. Yet it was once again too little too late as New Jersey pressured with the extra attacker, but to no avail.  

Postgame, while agreeing the effort is there, Coach Keefe pointed out the lack of “intelligence or purpose, defensively” as to what has ailed his team as of late. “If you don’t have that, it’s really hard to win consistently in the league,” a clearly perturbed Keefe quipped.

The only consistency in this 2024-25 Devils season has been their inconsistency, and that surely must change if they plan on holding on to the playoff spot that they’ve been in all season long.

With 28 games remaining, the Devils are just six points ahead of the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Notes

Allen
Jake Allen, who Keefe claims, left the game with tightness before the start of the third period, is now 1-8 in his last nine starts. He’s played great at stretches but has struggled to find his 60 minute game.

Three bad penalties by the Devils that can’t happen:
Dougie Hamilton’s goalie interference 10 minutes into the second. Hamilton needs to be more aware in his path towards the net.

Noesen holding call in the O-zone with the Devils trying to claw back on the PP. Not only did this stop momentum dead in its tracks, but the Sabres scored just 12 seconds after it expired.

Despite the mistakes, the Devils made it 4-3 and were on the PP with just 3 minutes left, when Timo Meier collided with Zach Benson in the neutral zone and was whistled for interference. While it was a bit of a soft call, it’s just not necessary to bump an opponent behind the play at that juncture.

Noesen hit
Stefan Noesen was given a five minute major for head contact with Tage Thompson, 5 minutes into the third. Noesen trying to finish a hit on a star player. Thompson was hunched over and full contact, shoulder to head was made. It did not seem intentional and I don’t believe Noesen will receive any further discipline, but a league review and or hearing will take place as does with all 5 minute major penalties.
Hoping Thompson is ok(and somehow makes it onto the team USA roster for the Four Nations Faceoff. This guy is an amazing player. Wish Tyce would’ve been half as good).
At the moment it looked very similar to the Nick Seeler hit on Bastian a few games ago.
So I went back and watched it again, and my memory served correct…
There was no call on that hit…

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