Buffalo Sabres: 3 players who impressed in the season-opener
The Buffalo Sabres had a rough season-opener in their 5-1 loss vs. the New York Rangers, but a few players enjoyed decent outings.
The Buffalo Sabres blowout loss in Game 1 shouldn’t be a cause for concern. This lineup has seen a little more of an overhaul than meets the eye since March 2023, so forgive the Blue and Gold if they looked out of sync last night – it won’t be the last time it happens from now until Halloween by any stretch.
But there were a few players who had a good game, and their respective performances should have given you something to cheer about and look forward to when the Sabres take the ice again tomorrow night. One particular player’s performance should alleviate some concerns that arose with them last week, so stay tuned for this one.
3 Buffalo Sabres players who impressed last night
1 – Jordan Greenway
Through his 17-game run last season, Jordan Greenway’s play was uninspiring to put it generously. But we can’t let such a small sample size grade a trade, especially when it came at the cost of a second-round pick.
Last night, we saw Greenway come to Henri Jokiharju’s aid when the blueliner was blasted into the boards, and rightfully so. While Jokiharju drew a penalty, Greenway’s interference also, somehow, drew another. But Greenway did the right thing, and he set the tone early that dirty hits are something that the Sabres aren’t taking lightly this year.
Greenway was credited with just two checks, but his physicality was on point all game long among 16:56 of ice time in Game 1. Look for this kind of play to become the norm for the 26-year-old, and given his familiarity with head coach Don Granato, Greenway could even thrive as the season progresses.
The Sabres may have played poorly in Game 1, but you can’t say the same for Greenway, and he will help transform Buffalo into an edgier team. But so will the second player on this list.
2 – Connor Clifton
In just two preseason games, the red flags came up all over the place for Clifton. Well, I wasn’t one to panic, but given how poorly he played in a pair of preseason games, some panic definitely went around the fanbase. Fortunately, Clifton should have alleviated concerns for the moment, as he looked sharp in nearly 17 minutes of ice time.
Not only did Clifton log four hits, he also pitched in offensively, recording two shots on goal. When you watched him closely last night, you’ll also have noticed that the blueliner earned his game check by getting under the Rangers skin throughout the contest. This guy is every bit of a pest as Jeff Skinner, except Clifton’s going to lay the massive hit time and again.
Out of those four body checks last night, two of them will be etched in your memory – his check on Blake Wheeler, and the one he had against Tyler Pitlock. Don’t be surprised if you see a highlight reel featuring those hits sometime in April.
3 – JJ Peterka
Perhaps no one on the Buffalo Sabres enjoyed a better outing than JJ Peterka, yet thanks to the blowout loss, it’s hard to claim Peterka was out there enjoying himself. Peterka only logged a pair of shots, including one shot on goal that found twine. But he also shined defensively, logging a takeaway and finishing the contest with a plus-1.
Peterka, like most of the Buffalo Sabres, found themselves trapped in the defensive zone for long stretches, so to see the winger pitch in a solid defensive performance is nothing short of encouraging. I’m looking for a breakout year for the 21-year-old following an epic IIHF World Championship more than a few months back, and so far, he’s 1 for 1.
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Overall, the Sabres didn’t play their best game, but we’ve seen them play well for ages in October, and that never amounted to anything. But it didn’t mean a few players didn’t put up decent performances, and those listed in today’s piece are off to an outstanding start in the 2023-24 season.
Source: Observations: Sabres’ season-opening loss a reminder that ‘simplifying’ is key by Lance Lysowski, Buffalo News
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)