Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Jiri Kulich to have test to see if he can resume higher fitness level

BUFFALO – Sabres center Jiri Kulich, who hasn’t played since Nov. 1 because of blood clot issues, will undergo another test Tuesday to determine if he can “resume a higher level of fitness,” coach Lindy Ruff said.

“I don’t know what that level will be, whether that involves contact,” Ruff said following Monday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “We’ll find out what that means. The doctors will make that decision.”

Kulich, 21, recently resumed skating ... Read the full article

Sabres activate Zach Benson from IR, send prospect to Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon activated winger Zach Benson from injured reserve and sent rookie center Anton Wahlberg back to the Rochester Americans.

Benson, who missed the last four games, is expected to play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Sabres close a three-game road trip.

He hasn’t played since suffering an upper-body injury when he crashed into the boards Feb. 2 in Florida.... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Alex Lyon stays hot in win over Panthers, approaching NHL record

After inking a two-year, $3 million contract, Buffalo Sabres goalie Alex Lyon has quietly emerged as one of the NHL’s best bargains and perhaps the top free agent signing of last summer.

To wit: for $1.5 million this season, Lyon has compiled a 15-8-3 record with a 2.69 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage and two shutouts in 28 games.

Lyon dazzled in Friday’s 3-2 triumph over the Florida Panthers, stopping 27 shots to register ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Benson close to returning from injury

Winger Zach Benson has joined the Buffalo Sabres on their road trip and could play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Florida.

“He was good enough that we got him down here last night,” Ruff said prior to Friday’s game against the Panthers.

Benson, who skated Friday morning, hasn’t played since suffering an upper-body injury when he crashed into the boards Feb. 2 in Florida.... Read the full article

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin excited for long-awaited run to playoffs; Tage Thompson set to play

BUFFALO – As captain Rasmus Dahlin, still in full practice gear and sweaty from a long session, stood behind a podium fielding questions, the topic turned to the Sabres’ upcoming stretch of 25 games in 50 days to close the regular season.

For the first time in Dahlin’s career – he and center Tage Thompson, having both arrived in 2018-19, are the team’s longest-tenured players – the Sabres are in the driver’s seat for ... Read the full article

Following move to center with Amerks, prospect Anton Wahlberg receives first recall to Sabres

ROCHESTER – After Konsta Helenius’ first NHL recall last month left the Americans thin at center, coach Mike Leone shifted Buffalo Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg up to pivot the Americans’ top line.

Normally, a neophyte about 100 games into his AHL career wouldn’t have been thrust into such a high-profile role.

“It’s extremely difficult to do what he’s doing right now as a young player,” Leone said last month of the 20-year-old.... Read the full article

Sabres recall prospect from Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres this morning recalled center prospect Anton Wahlberg, a second-round pick in 2023, from the Rochester Americans.

The youngster has never played an NHL game. His arrival could mean Sabres center Tage Thompson, who just won a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics, will miss Wednesday’s road game against the New Jersey Devils.

Wahlberg, 20, has quietly enjoyed a strong season with the Amerks, compiling six goals, 25 points and ... Read the full article

As overtime began, everyone on the ice skated to one end to watch a television ... Read the full article