Dallas’ Ryan Suter (20) smiles after scoring a second-period goal Thursday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres fall behind early, implode late in ugly loss to Stars: ‘A little bit lifeless’

BUFFALO – About that playoff race and those meaningful late-season games. If the Sabres don’t snap out of their funk soon and tighten up defensively, they’re going to be in familiar territory playing out the string.

The Sabres looked downright awful throughout Thursday’s embarrassing 10-4 loss to the Dallas Stars, their third straight setback and fifth in the last six games.

As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, defenses usually stiffen. Well, Thursday’s ... Read the full article

Jack Quinn, Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson (right) celebrate a goal Saturday afternoon. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres maintain focus, bounce back by beating Lightning: ‘We needed that’

BUFFALO – Just over halfway into Saturday afternoon’s entertaining 5-3 win, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin appeared to have Anthony Cirelli lined up for an open-ice hit before both players suddenly moved.

Dahlin and Cirelli got tangled, and the Tampa Bay Lightning center quickly chased down his opponent, igniting a melee as the Sabres led 2-1. As Cirelli kept Dahlin pinned on the ice, Sabres winger Jeff Skinner zoomed in to help.

Skinner and Cirelli each ... Read the full article

Rasmus Asplund lost his spot in the lineup early this season. ©2023, Micheline Vevolu

Sabres notes: Rasmus Asplund traded; Injured Rasmus Dahlin practices

BUFFALO – Following his first season as an NHL regular and a standout performance at the World Championship, forward Rasmus Asplund was expected to become a big contributor to the Sabres this year.

Instead, Asplund, 25, lost his regular spot in the lineup in late November, quickly morphing into a spare part.

The Swede had played just two of the last 18 games and 27 overall this season when the Sabres dealt him to the ... Read the full article

Anders Bjork played 74 games for Buffalo. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres give Anders Bjork fresh chance with trade to Blackhawks

The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday traded winger Anders Bjork to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.

The deal possibly gives Bjork, 26, an opportunity to resume his NHL career. In October, the Sabres waived him and assigned him to Rochester, where he began his first stint in the AHL since 2019-20.

Shortly after the deal was announced, the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate, sent center Carson Gicewicz, an Orchard Park native, to Rochester ... Read the full article

Ramsus Dahlin has missed the last two games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres injury update: Rasmus Dahlin could miss next two games

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who’s day to day with a lower-body injury, will likely miss the next two games, coach Don Granato said.

Granato said Dahlin will miss tonight’s road game against the Boston Bruins and that he doesn’t expect him to play in Saturday afternoon’s home contest versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Dahlin skated for the first time own his own Wednesday morning after missing the last two games.... Read the full article

Vinnie Hinostroza spent a month in Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

After assignment to Rochester, Sabres’ Vinnie Hinostroza happy to be back

BUFFALO – After clearing waivers and reporting for his first stint in the minors in more than five years, a much-needed opportunity quickly materialized for Sabres winger Vinnie Hinostroza.

Of course, under normal circumstances, Hinostroza, 28, wouldn’t have been assigned to the Rochester Americans.

“Vinnie went to Rochester on circumstance, not on play,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Sunday. “… He’s an NHL hockey player.”

But for about a month, Hinostroza, who signed ... Read the full article

Riley Stillman began this season in Vancouver. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

After acquiring Riley Stillman in trade, Sabres intrigued to see newcomer

BUFFALO – Through parts of five NHL seasons, Sabres defenseman Riley Stillman has bounced around a bit, playing 140 games for three teams. A young player like him has spent much of his career simply trying to survive and conform to the coach’s and organization’s expectations, Don Granato said.

“Through that process, you’re accumulating a lot of experience but you’re playing to almost not make a mistake because you’ve moved around a little bit,” Granato ... Read the full article

Riley Stillman has played 140 NHL games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres acquire Riley Stillman in trade with Canucks

The Buffalo Sabres made a minor trade Monday night to beef up their defense depth, acquiring Riley Stillman from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Josh Bloom.

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Stillman, 24, has played 140 NHL games, including 32 with the Canucks this season.

It was believed Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams planned to address his defense depth before Friday’s trade deadline.

Stillman’s arrival gives Buffalo 24 players, so it must make a move ... Read the full article

Dylan Cozens fends off Washington’s Craig Smith and beats goalie Charlie Lindgren for his third goal Sunday afternoon. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

With Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin injured, Dylan Cozens dazzles in Sabres’ win

BUFFALO – Above the din of the capacity crowd, Sabres winger Jack Quinn could hear center Dylan Cozens calling for the puck as they skated through the neutral zone.

Quinn and Cozens, who have showcased terrific chemistry as linemates this season, did not play together for most of Sunday afternoon’s 7-4 victory over the Washington Capitals. The Sabres, having lost top-line winger Alex Tuch to a lower-body injury for at least a few weeks, promoted ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch has scored 28 goals this season. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres injuries: Alex Tuch out at least few weeks; Rasmus Dahlin day to day

BUFFALO – For months, the Sabres stayed remarkably healthy, especially up front, where the forward corps remained almost intact.

But now, they’ll be without first-line winger Alex Tuch for at least a few weeks after he suffered a lower-body injury in Friday’s 3-1 road win over the Florida Panthers. General manager Kevyn Adams said Tuch, 26, is week to week and he expects him to return before the end of the regular season.

To make ... Read the full article