Final preseason games offer enormous test for Buffalo Sabres rookies

With more playing time tonight against Carolina and likely on Friday against Pittsburgh, the Buffalo Sabres rookies will face a major test. 

Buffalo Sabres rookies Owen Power, Jack Quinn, and J.J. Peterka each had their respective moments so far in the preseason. Now that the rosters boast more NHL-caliber talent, look for the rookies to face stronger competition in these final two games, assuming they play in each.

So far in the preseason, Jack Quinn has done nothing but make plays, yet he has yet to do so against a team full of NHL players and high-end AHL reserves. Tonight, he gets the opportunity to show he can hang with some of the league’s better players.

J.J. Peterka has also seen his fair share of production in the preseason. And although his play has not been as effective as Quinn’s, Peterka displayed some speed in driving the puck through the neutral zone. He has also involved himself in battles along the boards, and showed off his physical side.

Buffalo Sabres rookies get a chance to shine in final preseason games

Of course, most eyes will flock to Owen Power, who plays the game as though it’s second-nature. Cool, calm, confident, and collected are perhaps the best adjectives to describe Power’s play. He almost looks methodic out on the ice, and always seems to know where the play is headed.

While Quinn and Peterka will look to further prove they can hang with more experienced hockey players, Power sits one rung above the duo. He is looking to prove he can make plays every time he hits the ice. Some may claim this is a way of putting pressure on Power, but watching his play, the 19-year-old looks as though nothing fazes him.

All three players will look at tonight’s contest as an opportunity. And when they play well, perhaps critics will stop writing off the Sabres as a bottom-tier team full of rookies, inexperience, and spotty goaltending.