PRAGUE – Paul Cotter scored a goal and an assist in his Devils debut as New Jersey defeated the Buffalo Sabers 4-1 in the NHL regular season opener in the Czech Republic's capital on Friday.

Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom, acquired in an offseason trade with the Calgary Flames, made 30 saves in his New Jersey debut.

After former NHL star Jaromir Jagr, who still plays in the Czech league, dropped a celebratory puck, Stefan Noesen became the first scorer of the season at 8:39 minutes, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead.

Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic made it 2-0, and then Nico Hischier scored early in the second period before Owen Power got the Sabers on the scoreboard midway through the third.

Cotter scored at the open net to make it 4-1.

The teams' game series on Friday and Saturday is part of the NHL Global Series.

Two more international games will be played in Tampere, Finland on November 1st and 2nd when defending Stanley Cup champion Florida takes on the Dallas Stars.

This is the 11th season the NHL has played in Europe as part of its efforts to grow fan bases in hockey-loving countries such as the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland and others.

After failing to make the playoffs for the tenth time in twelve seasons, the Devils received valuable contributions from Markstrom and other newcomers in their opening win.

Coach Sheldon Keefe was hired in May after being fired by Toronto; Kovacevic was acquired in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens and Cotter was acquired in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and

Before the puck dropped, players and spectators observed 13 seconds of silence in honor of Johnny Gaudreau.

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was killed along with his brother Matthew while cycling in New Jersey on August 29th.