Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Despite missed chances, Sabres keep forging identity in loss to Canadiens

BUFFALO – The final result, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, stings. The Sabres squandered opportunities all night, pumping a season-high 48 shots on goal and failing to convert six power plays, including one that carried into overtime.

In Saturday’s shootout, they needed one stop to secure back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.

Still, in losing for the sixth time in eight outings (2-5-1), the Sabres at least carried over ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin to return from injury; UPL skates with teammates

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin made it clear he’s ready to play.

“I’m feeling really, really, really, really good today, so it’s all good,” said Dahlin, who missed Thursday’s 3-1 road win over the Boston Bruins with a nagging lower-body injury.

When Dahlin spoke this morning, he said he still needed approval to return tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. Coach Don Granato later confirmed he will play.... Read the full article

After stint with Rochester, goalie Devon Levi returns to Sabres on top of game

BUFFALO – In the moments following last Friday’s 3-2 win, goalie Devon Levi earned the eagle head, the award given to the Rochester Americans’ player of the game, and enjoyed a special moment with his new teammates.

Levi, 21, had performed dynamically in his AHL debut, making 40 saves against the Belleville Senators and stopping all four of their shootout attempts.

When he received the eagle head in the CAA Arena visiting dressing room, he ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin day to day; Jack Quinn makes step in injury recovery

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who’s battling a lower-body injury, missed today’s practice but is “a possibility” for Saturday’s home game against the Montreal Canadiens, coach Don Granato said.

Granato said Dahlin and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has been sick, are both day to day. Luukkonen will miss Saturday’s game.

Dahlin sat out Thursday’s 3-1 road win over the Boston Bruins.... Read the full article

Sabres acquire Eric Robinson in trade with Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – In Eric Robinson, the Sabres on Wednesday traded for a third- or fourth-line winger capable of killing penalties and providing some much-needed energy.

Having lost four straight games and five of their last six, the reeling Sabres needed to make a move, and while the 6-foot-2, 201-pound Robinson is hardly a star, he can certainly help.

In recent games, they’ve looked soft, regularly losing battles and showcasing little pushback. With veteran winger Zemgus ... Read the full article

Sabres fall behind early again, lose to Red Wings: ‘I didn’t like our game’

BUFFALO – Well, it’s hard to say the Sabres lack consistency. Their win-one, lose-one start feels like a distant memory. These days, count on them falling behind early and losing.

In Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, their fourth straight setback and fifth in the last six games, the reeling Sabres trailed 2-0 by the 8:25 mark.

If you’re keeping track, opponents have outscored the Sabres an astounding 13-1 in the first period ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tage Thompson returns from injury; Alex Tuch could play soon

BUFFALO – Sabres center Tage Thompson said he originally expected the left hand injury he suffered on Nov. 14 would sideline him four to six weeks.

“Things progressed a little quicker,” Thompson said prior to recording an assist in Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in KeyBank Center. “X-rays came back good.”

Thompson’s injury healed so quickly that he returned in just three weeks. Despite the layoff, he played after participating in just ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson ready to return from injury; Sabres to make roster moves

BUFFALO – Sabres center Tage Thompson said he originally expected the left hand injury he suffered on Nov. 14 would sideline him four to six weeks.

“Things progressed a little quicker,” Thompson said after skating with his teammates this morning in KeyBank Center. “X-rays came back good.”

Thompson’s injury healed so quickly that he will return ahead of schedule for tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

“Happily surprised,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “We ... Read the full article

Frustrations mounting for Sabres’ Dylan Cozens: ‘I’ve lacked a little bit of confidence

BUFFALO – In the third period of Sunday’s 2-1 loss, Sabres center Dylan Cozens carried the puck into the Nashville zone, dished it off and made a beeline toward Predators goalie Juuse Saros.

A second later, Cozens grabbed a pass from linemate JJ Peterka and quickly tried to stuff it in the net. Only Saros’ left pad prevented his seventh and final shot of the night from tying the game.

Cozens, who has struggled to ... Read the full article

Reeling Sabres lose game to Predators, Alex Tuch to injury

BUFFALO – Things keep getting worse for the Sabres. Not only did they lose again Sunday, their third straight setback and fourth in the last five games, winger Alex Tuch appeared to suffer a hamstring injury chasing down Filip Forsberg on a breakaway.

Tuch departed the 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators about 7:34 into the third period and did not return. As Forsberg zoomed in on goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Tuch grabbed his hamstring and ... Read the full article