Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL. In tonight’s matchup, the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils have their first games since the break for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
NHL Predictions with Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils
Time:7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch:ESPN+, MSG-B, MSGSN
Every team is preparing for a push for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after the break. The Sabres sit in the midst of a dog fight in the Atlantic Division. The Devils sit almost 10 points out of a playoff spot and need to start winning immediately. Both these teams sent multiple players to the Olympics, and they will quickly have to turn their attention back to the NHL.
Golden Boys
Both the Sabres and the Devils will have players coming off of a Gold Medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Tage Thompson for the Sabres.For the Devils, the golden goal scorer himself, Jack Hughes. Both of these players are questionable for tonight’s matchup, due to scheduling and the intense tole the tournament took on the players. Neither team had players on Team Canada, so there shouldn’t be any concerns with anyone besides those two.
Reinforcements for Buffalo
Buffalo is finally getting some good news on the injury front. It’s been a tough year for the Sabres with injuries, but they do get Joshua Norris back. Norris has 17 points in 19 games this season, with the glaring stat being only 19 games this season. Norris dealt with two separate injuries that kept him out for long stretches this season. One thing is clear, the guy helps the Sabres win.
The Sabres will also get goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen back from injury. He was initially set to play for Team Finland, until that injury occurred in Toronto on January 27th. Luukkonen is having a bounce back season, with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.
The Sabres will still be without Zach Benson, Justin Danforth, Jiri Kulich, and Conor Timmins.
Hitting the Jack-Pot
There are a number of players who elevated their superstar case throughout the Olympics. Hughes being one of the largest. After a lacklustre 2025 4 Nations Face-Off last February, the young man wanted to make a statement in Milan, Italy. He exploded onto the scene, being over a point per game player for Team USA. He immediately clicked as a depth forward for the Americans, and of course, scored the golden goal.
The New Jersey Devils need Hughes to bring back some of that magic to Newark for the remainder of the season. They have struggled mightily this season, sitting seventh in the Metropolitan division. Hughes is a point per game player, but has missed time over the past couple seasons with injuries. If Hughes is back at 100%, the Devils could be a contender for a late season push into the postseason.
Hughes is among many players from Team USA visiting the White House for the State of the Union Address. President Donald Trump invited the team after winning gold in Milan. Hughes is anticipated to be available, but should be back the next game at the latest. Please check social media prior to puck drop, to see definitely who gets the nod, before setting your fantasy roster for the day.
Prediction
This game feels like a toss up. Both teams mainly have not competed in weeks. However, the golden goal scorer will bring back the momentum to Newark, and take care of business.