Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres lose to Flyers in Jason Zucker’s return; Owen Power loses cool after phantom high-stick

BUFFALO – Forget that the Philadelphia Flyers entered the night on a two-game win streak and advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.

Having started the season a stunning 0-6-3 before finally notching a win in their 10th try, they’ve endured a brutal three-week stretch.

Prior to Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Sabres in KeyBank Center, the Flyers were 0-4-1 on the road.

At home before a capacity crowd of ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Josh Norris scoring after slow start, showcasing grit

BUFFALO – Following a freak collision with Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson in overtime last Thursday, Sabres center Josh Norris said he did not want to leave the game.

But Norris, 27, had no choice. So as his teammates finished off their come-from-behind 5-4 victory in Toronto, he was in concussion protocol.

“It was just a small thing,” Norris told the Times Herald prior to Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in KeyBank Center. ... Read the full article

Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finding groove for Sabres

BUFFALO – After splitting time with Colten Ellis earlier this month, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start his fourth consecutive game tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers.

While Luukkonen hasn’t recaptured the stellar form he showcased most of last season, he has been coach Lindy Ruff’s best option, often making big saves.

Since replacing a struggling Ellis on Oct. 12, the Finn has compiled a 2-0-2 record with a 3.25 goals-against average and an ... Read the full article

Despite having zero goals, Zach Benson off to strong start, displaying chemistry with Jack Quinn, Noah Ostlund

BUFFALO – Zero goals? Don’t sweat it, kid. Keep doing what you’re doing.

That’s a not a direct quote, but some words that seem to convey Sabres coach Lindy Ruff’s feelings about Zach Benson’s interesting start this season.

Through nine games, Benson, 21, has been one of Ruff’s best players, generating offense, causing chaos around the net and agitating opponents.

The diminutive winger has a spot on the Sabres’ hottest line alongside center Noah Ostlund ... Read the full article

Injury updates on Sabres’ Sam Carrick, Alex Lyon and Conor Timmins

BUFFALO – Add one more name to the Sabres’ injury list.

Forward Sam Carrick missed Tuesday’s practice with a mid-body injury and is day to day, coach Lindy Ruff said following the session in LECOM Harborcenter.

He said Carrick’s injury might be related to the left arm injury he suffered in a fight late last season.... Read the full article

Despite Rasmus Dahlin injury and some early struggles, Sabres off to solid start, in playoff spot

BUFFALO – Through nine games this season, the Sabres sport an underwhelming but intriguing 4-3-2 record.

The team that ended last season on a torrid 39-9-5 run has stumbled out of the gate a bit, often falling behind multiple goals before roaring back.

Incredibly, the Sabres have held a lead just 60:32 this season, barely the equivalent of one game. Only two teams – the hapless Calgary Flames (39:21) and Los Angeles Kings (32:59) – ... Read the full article

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin, Jason Zucker ready to return from injuries; Justin Danforth misses practice

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin, who has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, returned to practice this morning and expects to play Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

“I think I’ll be ready,” Dahlin said this afternoon in KeyBank Center.

The Sabres did well without Dahlin, their top defenseman, compiling a 1-0-2 record during their road trip.... Read the full article

Tage Thompson taking his place among Sabres’ all-time greats

Early in his tenure in Buffalo, the idea of Tage Thompson someday taking his place among some of the Sabres’ all-time greats seemed ludicrous.

In 104 games over his first three years, he scored just 15 goals.

But Thompson matured rapidly after former Sabres coach Don Granato switched him from wing to center five years ago.... Read the full article

Following recall, Sabres’ Dennis Gilbert scores rare goal, displays tenacity

TORONTO – Two nights earlier in Montreal, Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff pointed out, defenseman Dennis Gilbert had walked right down the slot and missed the net.

If Gilbert, 29, got another opportunity with the puck, he would surely score, right?

“They say you give Dennis a second chance, and he’ll make the other team pay,” Ruff joked Thursday after Gilbert scored his first goal at any level in nearly three years.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin, Josh Norris and Jiri Kulich all progressing from injuries and illness

An upper-body injury will force Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin to miss his third straight game tonight, coach Lindy Ruff told reporters Friday in Montreal.

“Progressing,” Ruff said of the defenseman’s status to reporters at the Bell Centre. “He’s feeling better today than yesterday.”

After shooting the puck in Monday afternoon’s 5-3 win over the Florida Panthers, Dahlin reached for his lower back and left the game.... Read the full article