SportsLine's computer model has simulated Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils on Friday in Prague, Czech Republic 10,000 times

Both teams missed the playoffs last spring, but there’s reason for optimism in both camps as we head into a new campaign.

Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.