Devils Fall 3-1 to Sabres in Jack Hughes' Return

Published: Sunday, December 21, 2025

by Ryan Fox

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils (20-15-1) fell 3-1 to the Buffalo Sabres (17-14-4) on Sunday night at the Rock after emerging victorious from their two game western road trip, beating both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Utah Mammoth. 

Sunday's contest marked the return of Arseny Gritsyuk, Timo Meier, and Jack Hughes, who were previously inactive due to personal reasons and injury. Similarly, the Devils recently welcomed Defenseman Brett Pesce back to the lineup, as this was his third game back after being activated off injured-reserve this past Wednesday.

The game opened up with amazing energy, as the crowd made their cheers heard loud and clear off puck drop, as they welcomed some fan-favorites back tonight. New Jersey’s opening lineup consisted of Meier, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt on offense, with Pesce and Luke Hughes on defense, and Jake Allen between the posts.

Halfway through the first, Jack Hughes fired one past Sabres netminder, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, where he welcomed himself back to the lineup, handing the assists to Dawson Mercer and Colton White. Hughes returned to the lineup tonight after missing 18 games due to a freak accident where he injured his finger.

Late in the first, Buffalo’s Zach Benson was called for high sticking, where the Devils would kill a majority of the clock on the delayed penalty call, resuming the second with a 1:50 man advantage. New Jersey’s offense was empowered by the roars of the fans, finishing the first period with 12 shots on goal.

New Jersey resumed their powerplay in the early stages of the second, but failed to capitalize on the advantage. Throughout the second, Buffalo played extremely aggressive hockey. In the second period alone, Buffalo fired 12 shots on goal. 

Two minutes in, Josh Norris tied the game after sneaking one past Allen in the crease, giving Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power the pair of assists. Buffalo was able to respond once more nearing the end, where Benson gave the Sabres their first lead of the game, with Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn grabbing the assists.

The final period of action kicked off rapidly, as New Jersey was eager for the chance to get back in the game. Buffalo’s offense was buzzing after their dominant second period, with numerous solid chances that were stopped by Allen. The energy at the Prudential Center was still on at full speed. 

However, the third period of play remained quiet with numerous back and forth saves seen from both parties. In the final two minutes, Peyton Krebs was able to score the empty netter for Buffalo, putting them up 3-l, which proved to be the dagger.

Following the loss, the Devils will look to bounce back Tuesday against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena with a 7:00 p.m. puck drop.

Ryan Fox can be reached at ryan.fox@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: sports,