Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson. James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Sabres rookie goes between the legs for first NHL goal

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Nov 22, 2023 9:00 PM ET

When it comes to goals in the NHL, they say you never forget your first one. In the case of Buffalo Sabres rookie Zach Benson, remembering his won't be a difficult task.

Benson netted his first professional tally on Wednesday, beating Washington Capitals netminder Darcy Kuemper with a spectacular between-the-legs shot, top-shelf.

Zach Benson's first @NHL goal was #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/9ZSo1ES149
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 23, 2023

According to the NHL communications department, Benson is only the ninth player since the start of last season to score a between-the-legs goal and the first to do so in the 2023-24 campaign. The rest of the list includes a who's who of young stars and veteran All-Stars, including the likes of Anaheim Ducks star Trevor Zegras, Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk and Boston Bruins wing David Pastrnak.

The Sabres selected Benson with the No. 13 pick in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old made his pro debut in Buffalo's season opener and tallied four points, all assists, over eight games ahead of Wednesday.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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