Krueger - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Victor Olofsson, Kyle Okposo could return from injuries Thursday

BUFFALO – When Sabres winger Victor Olofsson started practicing again Saturday, coach Ralph Krueger said the rookie might need another week before he could play.

But Olofsson went full tilt this afternoon, taking reps in his normal spots beside captain Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart and down low on the power play.

Meanwhile, Kyle Okposo, who returned for Tuesday’s morning skate, practiced in his regular spot at right wing with center Johan Larsson and ... Read the full article

Goalie Carter Hutton difference-maker in Sabres’ win over Red Wings

BUFFALO – Suddenly, goalie Carter Hutton has morphed into a difference-maker again, helping the Sabres secure tight games by making clutch stops in the waning minutes.

Hutton struggled for months, losing the No. 1 job and 13 straight starts. Before Linus Ullmark suffered a lower-body injury, he had become a spare part, only playing when the Sabres had back-to-back games.

But in the last week, Hutton, 34, has began showcasing the early-season form that helped ... Read the full article

Simple style helping Sabres’ Scott Wilson thrive following recall

BUFFALO – Earlier in his career, Sabres winger Scott Wilson said he would often run around on the ice, a style that sapped his energy and took him out of plays.

Wilson, 27, realized he needed to embrace a simpler way.

“Being physical when I can but not running around like an idiot,” Wilson said after the turnover he helped create led to center Johan Larsson’s goal in Sunday afternoon’s 3-2 loss to the Anaheim ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo nearing return from ‘painful’ upper-body injury

BUFFALO – On Feb. 1, winger Kyle Okposo was cross-checked during his first shift in the Sabres’ 2-1 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Something broke,” Okposo said after skating with his teammates this morning for the first time since leaving the lineup.

Still, Okposo, 31, tried gutting out what he called “a freak injury” for the rest of the period.

“I knew it wasn’t good,” he said of the upper-body injury. “I tried ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ralph Krueger believes Jack Eichel equipped to handle big ice time

BUFFALO – After skating a career-high 28 minutes, 22 seconds in Sunday afternoon’s 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, Sabres captain Jack Eichel ranks second among NHL forwards in ice time, trailing only Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl.

Through 55 appearances, Eichel has averaged a whopping 22:08 – 18 seconds less than Draisaitl.

With very few scoring options at his disposal, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger has been running Eichel ragged, skating him at least 20 ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jeff Skinner battling marathon slump, still playing down lineup

BUFFALO – At worst, you figured Sabres winger Jeff Skinner would score 25 or 30 goals this season. But having performed so dynamically most of last year, hitting 35 or even 40 again seemed possible.

Skinner and top Sabres captain Jack Eichel formed a lethal duo a year ago. For the first time in his career, Skinner, 27, had an elite center feeding him the puck, and he responded by scoring 40 goals.

When ... Read the full article

Sabres stick with Jonas Johansson, nearly roar back against Ducks

BUFFALO – After the Anaheim Ducks scored their third goal early Sunday afternoon, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said he considered yanking goalie Jonas Johansson.

Could you blame him?

Johansson, 24, struggled mightily for the opening 12 minutes of his second NHL start, allowing three goals on four shots after stopping the first two he faced.

The Swede looked a bit off and uncomfortable in the crease. He knew the hook might be coming.

“It ... Read the full article

Sabres recall goalie Andrew Hammond with Carter Hutton unavailable

BUFFALO – Center Marcus Johansson (sick) and goalie Carter Hutton (family circumstances) will not play this afternoon, the Sabres have announced.

Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said rookie goalie Jonas Johansson will start this afternoon against the Anaheim Ducks at KeyBank Center.

To replace Hutton, the Sabres have recalled goalie Andrew Hammond from the Rochester Americans. Krueger said the Sabres will dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Victor Olofsson practices, nearing return from lower-body injury

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Victor Olofsson said he has never experienced anything like the lower-body injury that has sidelined him the last 13 games.

In his first seven years as a pro, the high-scoring Swede showcased terrific durability, never missing more than a couple weeks of action.

Then on Jan. 2 against the Edmonton Oilers, Olofsson’s left skate got caught in the ice, causing him to fall backwards.

“It was unfortunate, no one around me, ... Read the full article

Sabres assign Rasmus Asplund, Lawrence Pilut to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres assigned forward Rasmus Asplund and defenseman Lawrence Pilut to the Rochester Americans this morning.

Both players were scratched for Friday’s 3-2 road win against the New York Rangers.

The Amerks play a road contest this afternoon against the Toronto Marlies.

Asplund, 22, has scored one goal and two points in 29 games with the Sabres this season. Meanwhile, Pilut, 24, has compiled zero points in 10 NHL outings.... Read the full article