JJ Peterka has missed the last two games. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres’ JJ Peterka could return from concussion against Penguins

PITTSBURGH – Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka, out since suffering a concussion Oct. 5, is available to play tonight against the Penguins, coach Lindy Ruff said this morning.

The German has missed the last two games. If he returns, Ruff did not say which player would be scratched.

Peterka, 22, played the first two games at left wing on the top line alongside center Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. He left the lineup when New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon hit him in the head.

Winger Zach Benson has been subbing on that line.

“JJ’s a gifted goal scorer, obviously,” Ruff said during the Sabres’ optional skate in PPG Paints Arena. “I thought that line had good chemistry while we were using them. We’ve lacked a little finish. I think JJ gives us that extra layer of finish.”

In other news, Ruff said goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be starting tonight, his third nod this season. Luukkonen has earned a win in each of his last two appearances against the Penguins. On Jan. 6, he stopped 40 shots in a 3-1 victory here.

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