After a well-deserved few days of rest, the New York Rangers will return to the ice on Thursday, Nov. 7 against the Buffalo Sabres.
This will be the Rangers' third game of a three-game homestand before hitting the road to take on the Detroit Red Wings. The Blueshirts currently sit at third in the Metropolitan Division, with a most recent 5-2 win over the New York Islanders. The Sabres are placed seventh in the Atlantic Division. Records wise, the Rangers' have the edge with an 8-2-1 slate so far compared to Buffalo's 5-7-1.
Records aside, despite Tage Thompson leading the way for Buffalo offensively — right wing and young up-and-comer JJ Peterka is obviously the opposing team's player to watch ahead of the Nov. 7 matchup.
JJ Peterka
Despite Thompson being the leading offensive player point wise for the Sabres, the 22-year-old Peterka is just four points behind him with 11.
He has played in 11 of the 13 matchups so far this 2024-25 campaign. In those 11 contests, Peterka has scored six goals and five assists. Those six goals also make him as the second-most leading scorer on the team.
And he's on the offensive rise fast.
Just last night — Tuesday — he logged two goals and one assist in Buffalo's most recent game, which was a 5-1 win over the Senators.
Peterka was recently selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round as the No. 34 of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Prior to this, he played one season for Rochester of the American Hockey League. While there he led the team with 68 points (28 goals, 40 assists) in 70 games. The Munich, Germany native was also selected to the 2022 AHL All-Rookie Team.
Once selected by the Sabres, he scored his first NHL goal for them on opening night of the 2022-23 season.
Following this he became one of just four Buffalo rookies to open a season with a point in each of his first three games.
How to Tune In
Puck drop for the Rangers hosting the Sabres is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, tomorrow — Thursday, Nov. 7. The game will be streamed via ESPN+ and be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.