Buffalo Sabres prospect proves he’s ready for NHL action

Buffalo Sabres prospect J.J. Peterka just had the game of his life against the Utica Comets in Game 2 of the AHL North Division’s Semifinal. 

For the Buffalo Sabres, October cannot come fast enough. The Sabres are among the NHL’s fastest-rising young teams if March and April of 2022 prove to be any indicator. And we all know how excited we are for Jack Quinn to rise up and effectively replace another man named Jack.

Actually, Tage Thompson already saw to that given his breakout season. Either way, Jack Quinn will impress the Sabres faithful nonetheless. But this isn’t about Quinn. Instead, we need to recognize his teammate down in Rochester: J.J. Peterka.

Buffalo Sabres prospect J.J. Peterka just had the game of his life

Peterka helped the Rochester Americans break even with those mighty Utica Comets in a 4-3 overtime win. He scored a hat trick, which also included the game-winning goal just 1:29 into overtime with assists from Quinn and Peyton Krebs.

It was a night to remember for Peterka, who looked as though he and Krebs built outstanding chemistry, given the latter’s three assists. The performance proves Peterka is ready for NHL action, and a few more performances like that may prove that he and Krebs need to be on the same line moving forward.

Peterka, Krebs, and Quinn had a night to forget following their Game One loss to Utica, so it was a night of redemption for the crew. Now the question bodes: Can they keep the momentum in their corner?

We won’t need to wait long to find out. The Americans face the Comets today in a late-afternoon affair at 5:15. If the Amerks win, they will be just one game away from earning a spot in the AHL North Division Final.

Things are looking up for the Amerks. But Peterka’s performance has put the Buffalo Sabres on notice. He is going to be a great asset come October 2022.