Cozens initiated the play that led to Buffalo's first goal of the game on the power play, earning the secondary assist on Tage Thompson's tally. He notched two more later in the game to become the fourth Sabres skater aged 21 or younger to record three or more points in consecutive games, according to Sabres PR.
Cozens is up to nine goals and 24 points in 25 games this season, putting him on pace for 29 goals and 78 points. The veteran of his line at just 21 years old, Cozens has earned praise from coaches and teammates since the start of camp for playing beyond his years.
"He's doing the right things all the time," Dahlin said. "He defends well but offensively he never does anything wrong, it feels like. He's protecting the puck, makes the play when he has to. He's got skill and a great shot, so he's got it all, I feel like."
Peterka scored his goal just 16 seconds into the second on a breakaway. Quinn put the Sabres up 4-2 with a highlight-reel goal on the power play before scoring his second of the game on the rush.
"They just want the puck, they want to play," Granato said about the trio. "They believe in their ability, and they should. They have the capacity to back it up."
The line demonstrated its ability with a decisive advantage on the ice versus the Sharks, as the Sabres held an edge in shot attempts (15-5), scoring chances (14-4), and high-danger shot attempts (7-2) when the trio was on the ice at 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick.
"Those guys, the speed from what they do in practice to what they transfer in a game, it's amazing how fast it is," Granato said. "Like I said, sometimes it takes guys months, sometimes it takes a full season before you see that. With these guys, it's literally day to day."
Their confidence and dynamic play have been apparent during the month of November as Peterka, Cozens, and Quinn have combined for 13 goals and 16 assists since first forming a line together on November 12.
With their performances Sunday, 21-year-old Cozens and rookies Peterka and Quinn extended their point streaks to four games.
"They have a lot of confidence right now," Dahlin said. "They have a lot of swagger. It's hard scoring off the rush, but they do it. They're super talented and they're just going to continue to grow. We're happy to have them."
