Since the departure of scoring winger JJ Peterka this summer, the question of who will replace his offensive output has been a persistent one. Peterka’s 68 points were second in Buffalo Sabres scoring last season, and his 27 goals were also third best for the club last season. The Sabres will be looking to the line of Josh Norris at center, flanked by wingers Zach Benson and Tage Thompson, to put up points.
Thompson excelled in his move to wing last season, scoring forty-four goals. Norris will be looking to stay healthy, having played in just three games for the Sabres since his arrival in March. For Benson, the opportunity to perform on the top line is one he is looking to make the most of. The 20-year-old is entering his third season in Buffalo. His commitment to improving his game was a focus this offseason.
“I really worked on my speed, “ explained Benson. “Just my acceleration, my shot. I changed my program up a little bit. I really liked it. I feel better. “
Goal scoring has been a struggle to this point in his NHL career. The promising young forward has found the back of the net just twenty-one times in 146 appearances over his first two seasons with the Sabres. Benson knows that to become the best player he can be he will have to continue to develop his game.
“It’s a tough league,” said Benson. “You*ve gotta work on your craft every single day. I feel like I put in a lot of work this summer, there’s lots more to do. I feel confident in my abilities, I’m confident in myself.”
Benson is driven to make the most of his chance at the top of the lineup and playing with talented linemates Thompson and Norris.
*Obviously those two are elite, elite players.” Said Benson.
The threesome has shown chemistry thus far in the preseason.
“I think we all read the game at an elite level,” said Benson. “Those two are so good at finding pockets, just making the right read. It makes it easy on me to just try to find them in the spots, create chaos. Obviously they have elite shots. Any time they can rip the puck there’s a chance it’s going in the net.”
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