October, 2019 - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres send Curtis Lazar to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres sent forward Curtis Lazar back to the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

Winger Conor Sheary returned from his upper-body injury for Thursday’s 3-0 win against the Los Angeles Kings, giving the Sabres two extra forwards.

The Sabres, who close their three-game road trip Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, scratched Lazar all three games he was with them.... Read the full article

Ducks’ Nick Ritchie fined maximum for hit on Sabres’ Vladimir Sobotka

The NHL has fined Ducks forward Nick Ritchie $4,121, the maximum amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for roughing Sabres winger Vladimir Sobotka in Buffalo’s 5-2 loss Wednesday in Anaheim, the Department of Player Safety announced today.

After a whistle 15:57 into the second period, Ritchie grabbed Sobotka by the head and tackled him, earning two minor penalties for roughing.

The NHL gives the money to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.... Read the full article

Jimmy Vesey happy with Sabres, says start has been ‘good and bad’

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Jimmy Vesey has quickly learned to like what his new city offers, including the easy drive to work.

Vesey, who spent three seasons with the New York Rangers, already knows he can get anywhere in about 15 or 20 minutes.

“There’s a big convenience factor, I think, in terms of commuting and everything like that,” Vesey said prior to Monday afternoon’s 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars. “I’m settling in nice.”... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger has Sabres looking like playoff contender early in tenure

BUFFALO – Few figured coach Ralph Krueger could transform the Sabres so quickly that – gasp – a playoff berth would feel possible this season.

Players need time to understand new messages and systems. Besides, Krueger inherited a hapless team that won just two games last March.

It would take time – maybe months, even a season – before the Sabres showed real progress, right?

Well, six games into Krueger’s tenure, the Sabres are still ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Vladimir Sobotka shaking off poor season, earning respect

BUFFALO – In the first period Monday afternoon, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger tapped winger Vladimir Sobotka for two defensive-zone draws.

“He went right out there and cleanly won them and took us out of our end,” Krueger said following the Sabres’ 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars inside KeyBank Center.

Then 4:20 into the third period, Sobotka’s nifty pass past a sliding defender created linemate Jeff Skinner’s goal.

The Czech’s first point this season put ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Carter Hutton to start against struggling Stars

BUFFALO – Other than switching to goalie Carter Hutton this afternoon against the Dallas Stars, the Sabres will utilize the same lineup as the past two games inside KeyBank Center.

That means forward Curtis Lazar, who was recalled from Rochester Americans on Sunday, will be scratched.

Despite the Stars’ sorry 1-4-1 record, they possess a lot of talent.

“They’re a much, much better team that their record,” said coach Ralph Krueger, whose Sabres have ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin could enjoy greatest offensive season by Sabres defenseman

BUFFALO – Having already produced seven points through five games, Rasmus Dahlin could be in the early stages of the greatest offensive season ever enjoyed by a Sabres defenseman.

Dahlin, of course, will likely cool off. At his current pace entering this afternoon’s home game against the Dallas Stars, he would score 115 points over an 82-game campaign.

Only five NHL defensemen have ever recorded a 100-point season. The last one, Brian Leetch, hit the ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Curtis Lazar from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled forward Curtis Lazar from the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

Lazar, 24, will likely accompany the Sabres on their three-game western road trip that begins Wednesday to serve as their extra forward.

The Amerks scratched Lazar from today’s road game against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

The Sabres have had only 12 healthy forwards since winger Conor Sheary suffered an upper-body injury last week. Sheary skated on his own today.... Read the full article

Sabres tell Henri Jokijarju, Victor Olofsson they’re staying in NHL

BUFFALO – Just five games into the season, Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju and winger Victor Olofsson have earned spots in the NHL.

The Sabres have told both youngsters to leave the hotel they’ve been staying in and find something more permanent.

“They’re both out hunting for places to live,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said today inside KeyBank Center. “But, again, the competition in the league doesn’t stop. The pressure on you doesn’t stop to perform.”... Read the full article

Johan Larsson line, goalie Linus Ullmark lead Sabres past Panthers

BUFFALO – Sooner or later, the unheralded Sabres line of Johan Larsson and Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo was due to erupt for some goals.

For more than four games, the trio consistently generated offense, buzzing around the opponent’s zone.

A combination regarded as the fourth just a week ago has quickly morphed into the Sabres’ most reliable line.

But other than one Okposo goal, the players hadn’t done any scoring.... Read the full article