The New Jersey Devils emerged victorious in the and thrilling Friday night match-up against the Buffalo Sabres, winning the contest 5-4 in the back and forth affair. With the score tied 3-3 at the start of the third period, Jack Hughes' powerplay goal gave New Jersey a 4-3 lead. Dylan Cozens scored quickly after to tie the game again. Eric Haula then scored the game-winning goal with 5:43 left in the game and the Devils held on for the victory. As exciting and skilful as the game was, it was not without one controversial play. <h2>Controversial Hit</h2> At the 16:00 mark of the first period Nico Hischer was making a play at the Buffalo blue line when Connor Clifton came up aiming for a hit, and made contact with Nico Hischer's head. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1718049927702425606'> </a></blockquote></div> Clifton was assessed a match penalty for head contact, plus five minutes for fighting. Elliotte Friedman tweeted that Clifton would likely be hearing from NHL Player Safety. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/friedgehnic/status/1718102163866714344'> </a></blockquote></div> NHL Player Safety tweeted that Clifton would be having a hearing on Saturday. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nhlplayersafety/status/1718101800555876838'> </a></blockquote></div> <h2>Hischer returns then leaves</h2> Nico Hischer came out late in the second period, and played until the end of the period even after taking another big hit, this time clean. He did not play the third period for what Head Coach Lindy Ruff later called precautionary reasons. It is unknown how long Nico Hischer will be out of action, but there is a chance he plays the next game as well. It is also unknown how many games Connor Clifton will be suspended for.