2017 Prospects Challenge Gamethread #1: New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres

Welcome to the first game of what I am calling the pre-preseason. The New Jersey Devils will play their first of three games in the 2017 Prospects Challenge tonight against the hosts, the Buffalo Sabres.

The Time: 7:00 PM ET

The Broadcast: Streaming at the Devils’ official website.

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils vs. the Buffalo Sabres (SBN Blog: Die by the Blade, goodbye and good luck to Andy Boron)

The Previews: Seriously? It’s a prospect-only preseason game. There’s not really anything to preview. That said, Gerard does have five reasons why you should be excited for this three-game tourney. You should check those out.

The Devils Prospects to Know: This game is likely the Devils debut of at least center Nico Hischier and defenseman Will Butcher. The Devils took 27 prospects to this tourney so there’s a chance you can see Michael McLeod, John Quenneville, Steve Santini, and more. If not tonight then probably tomorrow or Monday.

The Sabres Prospects to Know: Here’s the list from the Sabres’ official website. The names, if you will, include Alex Nylander, Nicolas Baptiste, Justin Bailey, Brendan Ghule, and Cliff Pu.

The Goal: No injuries. Expect this to be typed a few more times over the next few days.

The Song of the Night: Sure, this is effectively a Gamethread anyway. “The Flame of Youth” by speed/power metal kings, Dragonforce.

The Rules: As usual, keep it clean, respect your fellow Devils fan and wayward soul that has yet to admit their support of the Devils, and keep it relevant to the game.

Go Devils! No injuries!