Buffalo Sabres: 3 players who impressed in the season-opener
By Sion Fawkes
![Oct 12, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) takes a shot on goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports Oct 12, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) takes a shot on goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0d8bcec8c1880e96ce85f2c32e1c020a6658d08d15210b59769d7d60664a3693.jpg)
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)