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.
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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.
Here’s a replay of Brendan Dillon’s hit on JJ Peterka
Was originally called a 5 minute major, but changed to a 2 minute minor
— Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) October 5, 2024
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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