By Richard Gale

September 16, 2026 • 9:21 PM EDT

Updated 1 hours ago

Buffalo Sabres Bettors Just Got a Gift: New Jersey Is Rolling With Rittich in Net

David Rittich will start for the New Jersey Devils in their opening games of the 2026-27 NHL season after the club shipped out Jacob Markstrom and signed Rittich as their new number one. That move shifts the entire betting calculus for every Sabres-Devils meeting this fall.

BDL live data confirms New Jersey just installed a goalie who hasn’t started more than 33 games in a season since 2020, and who posted a save percentage south of .900 in each of his last two years. The Devils move from mediocre to outright beatable: this is the biggest net downgrade of the offseason so far.

The question isn’t whether Buffalo are favorites, they’re a division winner and New Jersey’s new starter is a career backup, it’s by how much. For betters, that means the real edge is on the Sabres puck line (-1.5), the over on game totals, and opposing scorer props anytime Rittich dresses. The upside for Buffalo’s offense against New Jersey just spiked, but the market might be slow to fully adjust. My read: hit Sabres puck line at home, and don’t hesitate on Jeff Skinner or Tage Thompson props when you see them.

Rittich’s Track Record Signals Major Problems for New Jersey

Related: Burning Questions as Sharks Training Camp Kicks Off

Strip away the names and focus on the numbers: Rittich hasn’t managed a full starter’s workload since before the pandemic, and his career save percentage has trended below league average ever since. Markstrom, for all his volatility, at least gave New Jersey a shot to steal games. That option is gone now.

Last season Rittich’s save percentage hovered at just .894. That alone bumps the expected goals allowed in any game he starts. Over a full campaign, that’s going to bleed into every betting market: puck line, team total unders for New Jersey, and overs for solid Sabres scorer props. This isn’t a case of “let’s give him a chance”, the league data says opposing offenses feast in these situations.

What does this mean for bettors? Even if Buffalo’s odds open steep, there’s value on alternate lines and any angle fading New Jersey’s ability to shut down top offenses. With Buffalo likely to press the advantage in home games, the puck line (-1.5) stands out. Most books will hang a total around six, maybe 6.5; even there, Rittich drives you closer to the number on his own. Build your exposure accordingly.

• New Jersey traded Jacob Markstrom and signed David Rittich: that alone downgrades their goaltending from average to bottom tier for 2026-27.
• Rittich’s sub-.900 save percentage over the past two seasons: team total overs and puck line bets become more attractive for Buffalo.
• Buffalo won their division last year: the market will price them as favorites but might not fully factor in how exploitable Rittich is in net.
• No injury currently stops Rittich from opening as the clear number one: every Devils game he starts is a sell spot.
• The Devils’ defensive metrics don’t project as good enough to shield a weak goaltender: look for Sabres player prop overs and high shot volumes.

The Bottom Line: Fade the Devils Early and Often

Back Buffalo Sabres puck line (-1.5) in home meetings with the New Jersey Devils, and be aggressive about the over or Sabres goal/point props whenever you see Rittich in net. This isn’t a minor downgrade, it’s the difference between facing resistance and finding a turnstile. Buffalo is in a smash spot, and the market likely won’t price in the full effect for the first several games. The full record and today’s updated line are on the Buffalo Sabres picks page.

“There’s value on every Buffalo puck line and scorer prop when Rittich starts for New Jersey.”ThePicks analysis

This article was produced with AI assistance by Richard Gale (senior gambling industry executive and ThePicks founder), with editorial standards and betting methodology overseen by Ben Gale, and reviewed by the ThePicks editorial team. All statistics sourced from live BDL API data and verified source material. All betting opinions are those of ThePicks analysts.

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/know-enemy-mediocre-devils-easy-232035508.html

21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only. We may earn a commission from affiliate links.