It has been a rough start for the Buffalo Sabres this season. Wednesday night in Pittsburgh saw a player return to the lineup. Despite Buffalo continuing its rough start, the return of JJ Peterka has provided a small spark and a bright spot for the organization.
The German skater was injured in second game of their opening series against the New Jersey Devils In Prague. He suffered a concussion and had miss the next two games. He was able to return to the lineup and Wednesday night and added a much-needed spark to a team in a desperate search of one.
Despite two losses, Peterka has been an added addition while he's been back in the lineup. Against the Penguins upon his return, he had two goals in the 6-5 overtime loss. He also added in a takeaway in his return to the ice. Despite the loss it still gave the Sabres another point in the standings.
Peterka had two shots on goal in the loss but hit on two of them including one in the third period which tied the game for Buffalo
He added another goal last night in a 6-4 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The goal against Columbus came with two minutes left in the period bringing Buffalo to within two. He has four points on the season. All four of his points have come when the Sabres were at even strength. He is currently tied for second in points on the team behind only Alex Tuch.
Only Peterka though hasn't played in all six games for Buffalo. The team took their time bringing the 22-year-old back from a concussion. Peterka commented on his comeback into the lineup after the Sabres loss in Pittsburgh to reporters. “I think with concussions it’s always good to maybe get the extra days. Obviously on one end it was frustrating, but at the other end I knew that the season is long, and I would rather miss one or two more games here than half a season."
Last season he a surprising year, scoring 28 goals with a plus minus time of plus-10. Buffalo will need as much production as they can get from him if they wish to turn around this season. Consistency currently is an issue, and he will be a much-needed asset moving forward. Both him and the entire team need to become more consistent on the powerplay. They are currently 0 for 17 on the year.
Peterka and the Sabres look to get on track on Saturday night in Chicago.