It turns out C.J. Smith isn't half bad after all.

After inking a deal with the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, Smith - who's fresh off an appearance in the NCAA quarterfinals with UMass Lowell - made his NHL debut on Sunday, suiting up for the Sabres' tilt against the New York Islanders.

It didn't take long for him to impress. Midway through the second period, Smith broke in on a two-on-one with Evander Kane, whipping a backhand pass to the veteran to set up Kane's 27th goal of the season.

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