In Friday’s second period, Rochester Americans center Konsta Helenius grabbed a pass from linemate Viktor Neuchev in the slot, skated to the bottom of the right circle and beat goalie Artur Akhtyamov with an odd-angle shot.
The first goal and point of the Finn’s three-game AHL career was pretty nifty.
“It doesn’t matter how you score your first goal,” the Buffalo Sabres prospect told reporters following the Amerks’ 4-2 loss to the Toronto Marlies in Blue Cross Arena. “… Maybe it’s not the goal what I thought I’m going to score, but, yeah, it feels good.”
It probably felt extra special because Helenius, 18, scored with his mother, Maiju, in attendance.
The Sabres drafted Helenius 14th overall this year. He came to North America after playing pro hockey in Finland.
Watch the goal below.
Konsta Helenius’ first (North American) professional goal was a thing of beauty pic.twitter.com/KEAOZcZnap
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) October 19, 2024
It’s a delayed edition of Buffalo Press Box due to @BillHoppeNHL‘s globetrotting lifestyle. We get into the #Bills trade for Amari Cooper and the #Sabres‘ sluggish start. https://t.co/a5VjOxPQey
— Nick Sabato (@NickSabatoGNN) October 19, 2024