By Warren Kozireski —
In the Buffalo Sabres season opener, fans were seen wearing jerseys both new and old with a few dating back to Doug Gilmour and Daniel Briere. The team store might want to stock up on JJ Peterka #77 jerseys after the rookie forward put on a show with linemates Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs while scoring his first NHL goal in just his third game.
“I had a nice give-and-go with (Dylan) Cozens and he put it perfect on my tape and I just had to put it in,” Peterka said about his first goal. “I heard the crowds here are incredible…and such a good feeling that they made so much noise for me.”
Peterka, an early second round draft choice (34th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, began his North American hockey career last season scoring 28 goals with 40 assists over 70 games and added 12 points in ten playoff contests. He got his first taste of the NHL when called up for a pair of games in Buffalo.
He and Jack Quinn were named to the American Hockey League All-Rookie Team at forward after he led all rookies in points.
“I think we’re (his line) clicking right now and I like our chemistry more and more. It’s just exciting to play with those two guys and we’re just having fun out there.
“I think it’s going to be hard to sleep tonight; right now I’m just taking in the moment and enjoying it.”
(Photo By Janet Schultz Photography/NY Hockey OnLine)
