NEWARK, NJ -It'll be a family affair when the Devils and Buffalo Sabres square up Tuesday night at Prudential Center.
Tyce vs. Tage. As in the brothers Thompson.
Devils' prospect Tyce, 21, will be making his NHL debut this evening against his older brother Tage.
"It's really cool. I'm super excited," Tyce said. "I can't wait for tonight.
"To be able to play against my brother makes it that much more special. I'm speechless really. I can't describe how I really feel. I'm just really excited."
For more on Thompson's big night
ahead click here
.
BIG BUFF
The Buffalo Sabres have had a trying season. The franchise has dealt with a rash of injuries while also tying an NHL-record with an 18-game winless streak (0-15-3). In the midst, they relieved head coach Ralph Krueger of his duties and turned to interim Don Granato.
The Sabres have broken out of their mired wake, and since defeating Philadelphia, 6-1, they've gone 2-0-2 in their past four games.
"It takes the weight off your shoulders. You feel a lot better about yourself," Devils head coach Lindy Ruff said of Buffalo snapping the losing streak. "If you look at where they're at now than where they were at two weeks ago, it's a lot different place.
"Once you get that losing streak behind you, you can take off and go the other direction."
The Devils are 3-2-1 on the year against Buffalo, and the teams have played some closely contested games during the season. Ruff expects much of the same.
"They're playing with really good pace. They've got a group that skates really well," Ruff said. "You'll see a team that'll be able to skate with us. They have a lot of young players that are getting more ice time right now.
"We know we have our hands full. This is a team that's playing well, that's skating well right now. Their goaltender has been playing well for them. I anticipate this being a really tough matchup."
HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER
During Tuesday night's game against Buffalo, the Devils will be supporting the NHL's annual Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. The club will be honoring former Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment employee Dean Brzuskiewicz, local youth hockey player Franco Monnecka and patients, survivors and caretakers throughout the game, while raising money to benefit the Clara Maass Medical Infusion Center, an RWJBarnabas Health Facility.
"I think most people have been touched by friends, family that have been affected by cancer," Ruff said. "We have to help do what we can as a team, and do what we can as individuals to fight a disease that affected so many."
For more information on how you can
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