Sabres vs. Devils on the Day After Christmas: The Grudge Is Live
The holidays in Buffalo have a rhythm: turkey on the 25th, presents under the tree, and hockey the very next morning. On Saturday, December 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the New Jersey Devils come to KeyBank Center, and this year the day after Christmas game hits different. You can already compare Sabres vs. Devils listings for the game.
Because this one is personal. The Devils are not just visiting for a holiday scratch. They stole the Connor Hellebuyck trade right out from under the Sabres. The goalie Buffalo was counting on is now guarding the net in New Jersey, and the fans home for the holidays get to answer that in person.
The grudge: how New Jersey got Connor Hellebuyck
The storyline is simple, and it stings. Buffalo was in the running for Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender this town believed was headed to KeyBank Center. Then the Devils came in and took him. The trade Buffalo was counting on ended up in New Jersey, not here.
Fast forward to the day after Christmas, and that grudge is front and center. Watching him work for New Jersey instead of Buffalo is the reminder, and it is a reason for this crowd to be loud, early, and relentless. It is the kind of night that turns a regular holiday game into a statement.
Why the day after Christmas is the best night of the NHL year
The building is packed with fans who flew in for the holidays: grandparents, first-timers, and old friends reuniting after months. The energy is warm and festive, and it is easy to love the night even on a rough one.
This is not a forgettable scratch. With the Hellebuyck storyline riding on it, expect a crowd that will be fired up from the faceoff to the final horn. You are already home for the holidays, and this is the one event that makes being home the whole point. No flight, no hotel: factor in a game night meal and a parking spot, and the only thing worth splurging on is the seat.
Game details
| Game | Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils |
| Date | Saturday, December 26, 2026 (day after Christmas) |
| Puck drop | 7:00 PM ET |
| Venue | KeyBank Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203 |
| Story | Settling the Hellebuyck grudge, live, in front of a holiday crowd |
Where to sit: the local value picks
For Sabres games, our first search is sections 306 or 320, in the first few rows of the 300 level. Center ice gives you both ends without constantly turning, and the neighboring sections are worth a look when they are cheaper.
- Sections 306 or 320 are the value sweet spot: first few rows of the 300 level, a clear view of both ends.
- Sections 207 or 218 are a worthwhile upgrade when the premium is small, with a lower level view of center ice.
- Sections 312 to 314 are the cheaper end on seats, and they face the end where the Sabres shoot twice.
When we checked the live listings on October 24, 2026, the cheapest seat for this game was about $86. Those numbers are frozen as published, and holiday prices move fast, so check the live listings before you decide. For the bigger picture on what Sabres games cost all season, the 2026-27 ticket market report breaks down the numbers.
Plan the rest of the night
The game starts at 7:00 PM, which lines up with dinner. Sabres doors normally open 90 minutes before the game, so plan to park 60 to 90 minutes before puck drop and allow more time for a busy matchup. The closest ramps are convenient, but they can queue afterwards, so a longer walk or a nearby postgame stop can make leaving more relaxed.
One thing to know before you pack: all bags, backpacks and purses are prohibited at KeyBank Center. Clutches and wristlets no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches are allowed after a visual inspection, and medically necessary items and diaper bags are allowed after a thorough security screening.
If you are flying in, the nearest rooms are the hotels near KeyBank Center, and the list on the game page is already priced for Saturday, December 26 and ordered by real distance from the venue, so you can weigh walking back afterwards against a cheaper room you would have to drive to. If you want to stack a few home games into one trip, the Buffalo Sabres tickets page has the full home schedule.
Questions fans ask
What time does the game start?
Puck drop is 7:00 PM on Saturday, December 26, 2026, at KeyBank Center. Doors normally open 90 minutes before the game.
Who is playing?
The Buffalo Sabres host the New Jersey Devils. The storyline: New Jersey took Connor Hellebuyck away from Buffalo, and the day after Christmas is the night the building makes its feelings known.
How much are tickets?
When we checked on October 24, 2026, the cheapest seat listed was about $86. Prices on a day after Christmas game move with demand, so check the live listings for current numbers.
Will my seats be together?
Seats within a single listing are adjacent unless the listing notes say otherwise. If you want aisle seats, look for them in the listing notes when you choose your seats.
How do I get my tickets?
Most orders are delivered within a few hours of purchase. Most listings deliver electronically, by mobile transfer or instant download, and some are shipped as hard stock, which takes longer but arrives before the event.
If you want to keep the momentum going after this one, the must watch games of the 2026-27 season are all on the calendar, and the NHL tickets page has the full slate.
You are home, the grudge is live, and the building will know it. Get your seats for Sabres vs. Devils on December 26 and buy with confidence: every order on StubOrder is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee.
