The NHL schedule returns Wednesday night following the Olympic break, and the restart features an intriguing matchup as the Buffalo Sabres visit the New Jersey Devils with both teams looking to carry momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be available on MSG locally and nationally on NHL on ESPN.
MORE: Olympic star Jack Hughes earns cool advertisement after bloody mouth interview
Dec 21, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) looks to make a pass against the Buffalo Sabres during the first second at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
Wednesday’s game features a unique storyline as both Buffalo’s Tage Thompson and New Jersey’s Jack Hughes return fresh off winning Olympic gold with Team USA.
Hughes delivered one of the defining moments of the Games, scoring the overtime winner against Canada in the gold medal game, while Thompson played a key offensive role throughout the tournament as the Americans captured their first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal since 1980.
Now, both stars quickly transition from Olympic heroics back to the grind of an NHL season where every point matters.
– Watch Buffalo Sabres vs New Jersey Devils on ESPN –
Buffalo entered the Olympic pause playing some of its best hockey of the season. The Sabres surged up the standings thanks to improved defensive structure and consistent scoring production, turning close games into wins during a strong late-January and early-February stretch.
Thompson has continued to lead Buffalo’s offense with his combination of size, shooting ability, and transition scoring, while the team has received balanced contributions across multiple lines. Strong goaltending and improved special teams also helped the Sabres build momentum before the league paused for international play.
The key question now: can Buffalo pick up right where it left off?
Jan 19, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) takes a shot against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The Devils return, hoping the break serves as a reset. New Jersey remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams when healthy, built around speed and puck movement.
Hughes remains the engine of the Devils’ attack, capable of changing games with his skating and playmaking ability. His Olympic performance only reinforced his status as one of the NHL’s premier young stars, and New Jersey will look for that confidence to carry over into the postseason push.
This will be a great return to the NHL, with roughly a quarter of the season remaining, the post-Olympic restart often feels like the unofficial start of playoff hockey. Teams returning in rhythm can separate themselves quickly, while slow starts after the break can prove costly.
For Buffalo, Wednesday night represents an opportunity to continue its upward trajectory. For New Jersey, it’s a chance to regain momentum behind one of the league’s brightest stars.
– Watch Buffalo Sabres vs New Jersey Devils on ESPN –
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
NFL: 4 blockbuster NFL trades we want to see before the 2026 draft
OLYMPICS: Most talked-about Olympic romances from 2026 Winter Games
NBA: Andrew Friedman, other Dodgers execs get new roles with Lakers after $10 billion sale
SPORTS MEDIA: USA men’s hockey draws record Olympic gold medal TV viewership
ENTERTAINMENT: Martin Short’s daughter Katherine tragically dies at age 42
VIRAL: Pat McAfee makes stunning gesture during Team USA’s $150K Gold medal celebration
© 2025 TheBigLead – All Rights Reserved
English 
Powered by OneTap
Default
Default