Sharpen Up: December 29, 2017

It's a game day in New Jersey, but we'll get more into the matchup between the Sabres and Devils in a bit. We lead off this edition of Sharpen Up, instead, with a question: how 'bout that Casey Mittelstadt?
The Sabres prospect opened the World Junior Championship with a two-goal performance on Tuesday. For an encore, he scored to tie Team USA's game against Slovakia with 3:11 remaining in regulation on Thursday night. But he didn't just score - he produced an individual effort worthy of top play honors on SportsCenter.
See for yourself:

Believe it or not, Filip Krivosik scored the go-ahead goal for Slovakia just 1:03 later and Team USA lost the game, 3-2. They'll look to rebound at 3 p.m. this afternoon when they meet rival Canada outdoors at New Era Field in front of a record crowd of more than 40,000.
Tickets for that game are still available at BuffaloWorldJuniors.com.
The Sabres, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from a late loss of their own after falling 3-2 in overtime against the Islanders on Tuesday night. Coverage of tonight's game against the Devils begins at 6:30 p.m. with GMC Gamenight on MSG-B, or you can listen live on WGR 550. Puck drop is set for 7.
Here's what you need to know on a busy day in the hockey world.

Tonight's game

The Sabres practiced in Newark on Thursday, and it's no surprise they called upon Jacob Josefson to lead the stretch and break the huddle at the end. The forward is returning to Prudential Center for the first time after spending the first seven seasons of his career in New Jersey.
Josefson also happens to be coming off a game in which he and linemates Johan Larsson and Jordan Nolan helped gain momentum for the Sabres with their solid presence both defensively and on the forecheck. The trio discussed their chemistry and Josefson's return to New Jersey in Thursday's practice report.
Some more notes on tonight's matchup, courtesy of Sabres PR:
The Sabres will not hold a morning skate today, so expect pregame updates from Phil Housley around 4:30 p.m. both on Twitter @BuffaloSabres and here on Sabres.com.

Elsewhere at World Juniors

Even beyond Mittelstadt's goal, yesterday was a big day for Sabres prospects at the World Junior Championship. Alexander Nylander (2016, 1st round) and Marcus Davidsson (2017, 2nd round) both scored goals in Sweden's 3-1 win over Vojtech Budik (2016, 5th round) and the Czech Republic.
Watch the goals from Nylander and Davidsson below:

Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, meanwhile, earned the win in Finland's 4-1 victory over Denmark - although he only faced seven shots in the process.
Click here for a full recap of yesterday's action.
Budik, Nylander, Davidsson and Luukkonen all return to action on Saturday. The Czech Republic will play Belarus at 12 p.m., Sweden meets Switzerland at 2 and Finland plays Slovakia at 4.
Attending the outdoor game between the United States and Canada today? Here's a first look at the rink at New Era Field:

Speaking of outdoor games …

Tonight's matchup with New Jersey marks the Sabres' final game ahead of the 2018 Bridgestone Winter Classic at Citi Field on Monday. To add to the excitement, Jack Eichel shared this teaser on his Twitter account yesterday:
Tweet from @Jackeichel15: Sharing the love for the game and leaving behind a legacy��� it���s a privilege to be playing at the @Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. #BridgestoneAmbassador pic.twitter.com/gyGCmSoPDH
Yeah, it's a good week for hockey.