Buffalo Sabres: Fans packing arena to watch Amerks in AHL Playoffs

Buffalo Sabres prospects like J.J. Peterka and Jack Quinn are getting a feel for what it’s like to play in front of capacity crowds. 

You will find Peterka and Quinn suiting up for the Buffalo Sabres when October 2022 rolls around, barring anything unforeseen. But until then, the dynamic duo that received AHL All-Rookie Honors will keep gaining playoff hockey experience. They will also continue learning what it’s like to play in front of capacity crowds.

In last night’s affair against the Utica Comets that ended in a 4-3 win for Rochester, the Amerks played in front of their largest home audience in 16 seasons, per TheAHL.com. With the game ending in a 4-3 overtime thriller, the Amerks also found themselves on the verge of securing a spot in the AHL’s North Division Final.

Fans continue to fill Blue Cross Arena to support the Buffalo Sabres affiliate in the Calder Cup Playoffs

You can bet Blue Cross Arena, better known as The War Memorial, will be packed wall-to-wall tomorrow evening when the Amerks take the ice at 7:05. The venue is listed to hold 10,662 screaming fans, but 10.741 came out to support the Amerks last night, the most since December 30th, 2005.

And given the way the Amerks played in the playoffs, they further gave their fans every reason to attend games. Last evening, J.J. Peterka stayed hot, logging two assists and earning Second Star honors. Peyton Krebs also pitched in with two assists.

Arttu Ruotsalainen was once again the hero for the evening, finding twine following assists from Krebs and Casey Fitzgerald. The only unfortunate thought last night, however, was ironically Ruotsalainen, who seems set to depart North America to continue his professional hockey career in Europe.

But let’s enjoy Ruotsalainen’s company while it lasts. The fans packing Blue Cross Arena sure will. Especially if he and the likes of Krebs, Peterka, and Jack Quinn can lead the Amerks to the North Division Final.