The Buffalo Sabres started their preseason off in a magnificent fashion on Saturday. The Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins by a 7-3 final score and notably scored five goals during the second period.
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Sabres forward J.J. Peterka was the game’s star, posting a hat trick. However, he was not the only player who provided offense for the Sabres, as several players stepped up during the matchup.
Sabres newcomer Sam Lafferty was among the players who impressed against the Penguins.
Lafferty, 29, scored a goal in his first preseason game as a Sabre. After fellow new Sabre Beck Malenstyn got stopped on the breakaway, Lafferty crashed the net and put the rebound home with a quick backhander.
This is precisely the play the Sabres want to see from Lafferty this season. The Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania native is known for hard forechecking and works well in front of the net. This is where he can create offense, and he will look to translate it to the regular season once it is here.
It was also lovely to see that fellow newcomers Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel each record an assist on Lafferty’s goal. There is a good chance that we could see this trio as a line during the season, and they could be a joy to watch because they are all gritty players.
It will be fascinating to see what Lafferty does from here after his solid first preseason contest as a Sabre.
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