Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Rochester Amerks loan Sabres prospect Nikita Novikov to Kings’ AHL affiliate

The Rochester Americans today loaned Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Nikita Novikov to the Ontario Reign and received forward Kaleb Lawrence back from the Los Angeles’ Kings AHL affiliate back in a corresponding move.

Novikov, 22, spent the last three seasons with the Amerks, compiling 15 goals, 62 points, 138 points and a plus-54 rating in 183 games.

The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Russian has registered six goals, 18 points, 44 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating in ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres win fight-filled thriller over Lightning, move into first place: ‘I’m so fired up’

BUFFALO – Early in the second period of the most intense, meaningful and entertaining Sabres game in close to a generation, Brandon Hagel began bullying captain Rasmus Dahlin in front of the Tampa Bay Lightning net.

At that point in Sunday’s thrilling 8-7 come-from-behind win, which moved the Sabres past the Lightning into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division, the rivals had already fought five times and amassed 92 penalty minutes.

In ... Read the full article

After defeating Predators, Sabres have first-place showdown versus Lightning: ‘Going to have incredible energy’

BUFFALO – Since the Sabres last appeared in the playoffs, they have played 1,138 regular-season games, none as big as tonight’s contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

If the Sabres defeat the Lightning at KeyBank Center, they will own sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division at the latest point in a season since April 10, 2010.

Right now, the teams, having each earned 82 points, are tied for the top spot.

Over ... Read the full article

By adding assets before trade deadline, Jarmo Kekalainen shows strong belief in Sabres

BUFFALO – In taking a big swing earlier this week and reportedly trying to land St. Louis Blue defenseman Colton Parayko, Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen illustrated he would aggressively add assets to the NHL’s hottest team before Friday’s trade deadline.

After the potential Parayko deal fell through – he refused to waive his no-trade clause, according to multiple reports – Kekalainen kept pursuing trades.

By Friday, he had made three of them, showing his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jiri Kulich likely out for season; Justin Danforth, Jordan Greenway both ‘progressing slowly’

BUFFALO – Sabres center Jiri Kulich, who hasn’t played since Nov. 1 because of blood clot issues, will most likely miss the rest of the season.

Kulich, 21, recently underwent testing to determine if he could resume a higher fitness level.

“He’s continuing to get treatment,” Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday in KeyBank Center. “Our main concern, obviously, is his well-being and long-term health, and second, when he can be back as a ... Read the full article

Sabres trade tracker: Buffalo acquires two defensemen, forward

BUFFALO – As the 3 p.m. trade deadline approaches, here’s what the Sabres have done:

So far, they’ve made two deals, acquiring defensemen Luke Schenn, 36, and Logan Stanley, 27, from the Winnipeg Jets and center Sam Carrick, 34, from the New York Rangers.

“All three of them bring us hardness, make us a tougher team to play against,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following this afternoon’s practice in KeyBank Center. “In Carrick’s case, a ... Read the full article

Sabres beat Penguins to move into first place; Buffalo makes trades

PITTSBURGH – Thirty-eight seconds into Thursday’s second period, as Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Evgeni Malkin began battling at the net and cross-checking each other, the Penguins star slashed his opponent on the neck.

Malkin’s ill-advised decision ended his night – he earned a match penalty and could have a suspension coming – and ignited the Sabres in a game that was tied at 1.

“After that we got it going pretty good,” coach ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Josh Norris healthy and thriving one year after trade

PITTSBURGH – One year and just 27 games later, Buffalo Sabres center Josh Norris is happy, healthy and geared up to potentially experience the postseason for the first time in his six-year NHL career.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time (in Buffalo),” Norris said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights at KeyBank Center. “The locker room is unbelievable, and it’s honestly so much fun coming to the rink every day.”

Still, his ... Read the full article

Reports: Colton Parayko rejects trade to Sabres

PITTSBURGH – Colton Parayko won’t be joining the Sabres. The St. Louis Blues defenseman, who has a no-trade clause, has rejected a deal that would’ve sent him to Buffalo, according to multiple reports.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first reported the veteran’s decision.

Parayko, 32, would’ve beefed up the Sabres’ blue line before Friday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

... Read the full article

With Tyson Kozak injured, Sabres will turn to versatile Josh Dunne

PITTSBURGH – In center Tyson Kozak’s absence tonight, the Buffalo Sabres will turn to the versatile Josh Dunne, one of their biggest surprises this season.

Kozak aggravated something and is day to day, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said, so for the third time in the last five games, Dunne will earn duty on the fourth line.

After beginning the season with the Rochester Americans, Dunne, 27, has emerged as what Ruff called “a real ... Read the full article