German winger finished second with 28 goals last season
The Buffalo Sabres offensive struggles were one of the main contributing factors to their missing the playoffs last season, but one of the exceptions to their goal-scoring issues was winger JJ Peterka, who finished second on the club with 28 goals.
The Sabres had difficulty getting the puck past Jacob Markstrom in a 4-1 loss at the NHL Global Series in Prague, as the veteran made 30 saves in the season opener, and their offense may have taken a hit in the rematch at O2 Arena on Saturday, as Peterka left the game after a high hit from Devils defenseman Brendan Dillon.
Dillon, a veteran free agent signed by the Devils after spending three years in Winnipeg, stepped up in the neutral zone and hit the Sabres winger up high, which drew a response from linemate Tuch, who dropped the gloves with the blueliner.
Originally called a major penalty, the officials reduced the penalty to a minor for interference. Peterka, who saw only 1:39 in three shifts during the first period, did not return for the second period and the club indicated via X that the winger would not return for the rest of the contest.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will review the hit for a possible suspension.
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