BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the Buffalo Sabres return to the ice Friday night to host the New York Rangers, the big news is that top goalie prospect Devon Levi will be between the pipes.
The goalie will make his NHL debut after he signed a three-year entry-level deal two weeks ago after his second stellar season at Northeastern University in Massachusetts.
“Exciting. I've been dreaming of this moment for my whole life.,” Levi said. “So, you know, for it to finally be here, it's a big deal. And I'm really excited. So it's a hell of a story. I love it, you know? They're a great team and I'm really excited to play my first game. You know, I've watched some videos tonight and I've watched them a few times … but, you know, they're a good team. I'm really excited.”
The Montreal native is expecting tons of friends and family in attendance for the game at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo is 35-31-7 overall and 14-20-4 at home. The Sabres have a 34-11-5 record when scoring three or more goals. New York is 44-21-10 overall and 22-9-6 on the road. The Rangers have gone 38-5-1 when scoring at least three goals.
Jeff Skinner has scored 31 goals with 39 assists for the Sabres. Alex Tuch has four goals and three assists over the last 10 games. Artemi Panarin has scored 25 goals with 59 assists for the Rangers. Vincent Trocheck has one goal and eight assists over the last 10 games.
The teams match up Friday for the second time this season. The Rangers won the last meeting 2-1 in overtime.