Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie in midst of unusual winning streak

BUFFALO – Eric Comrie’s unusual four-game winning streak began 15 games and 42 days ago, when the Sabres awarded him a rare start Jan. 26 against the Winnipeg Jets.

The goalie had been used sparingly following his return from a lower-body injury that sidelined him seven weeks. After playing Jan. 10, he sat out eight straight games before earning the nod against his old team. He stopped 19 shots that night, helping the Sabres extend ... Read the full article

Prospect Devon Levi enjoying season of growth, excited about Sabres’ future

If Buffalo Sabres prospect Devon Levi had left Northeastern last year and turned pro, he might’ve already earned his first taste of the NHL.

Levi likely would’ve started his career with the Rochester Americans. But given the uncertain state of the Sabres’ goaltending at times this season, he could’ve been awarded a look by now.

Instead, Levi, 21, is back at Northeastern, where he’s grateful for the adversity he has endured during what has become ... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres, who played Monday’s 3-2 home loss to the Edmonton Oilers without injured defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Riley Stillman, have recalled Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans.

It’s unclear if the Sabres have another injured defenseman or they just want insurance. They play a road game tonight against the New York Islanders.

Samuelsson and Stillman are both day to day with upper-body injuries, according to the Sabres.... Read the full article

Connor McDavid burns Sabres for two goals in Oilers’ win

BUFFALO – Connor McDavid and the high-octane Edmonton Oilers rolled into town Monday, and as expected, fans got their money’s worth.

The superstar continued perhaps the most dynamic NHL season this century, scoring two goals, including the third-period winner, in the Oilers’ entertaining 3-2 win over the Sabres before a crowd of 17,634 at KeyBank Center.

McDavid’s wraparound goal opened the scoring 7:21 into the contest, then he put the Oilers up 3-2 3:23 into ... Read the full article

Jordan Greenway could enjoy career-changing opportunity with Sabres

BUFFALO – In their first stint together almost a decade ago with Team USA, Sabres coach Don Granato said he would sometimes push winger Jordan Greenway hard.

Greenway, then a teenager with the U.S. National Team Development Program, did not always like what Granato demanded of him as a junior player. Still, Granato said, the youngster “pushed through,” developing into a terrific NHL prospect.

“We had a great relationship prior,” said Greenway, who made his ... Read the full article

Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich and likely other Sabres prospects off limits in trades

BUFFALO – In his early days as general manager, Kevyn Adams began reshaping the Sabres by trading established assets.

Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen all fetched hefty returns and have helped the Sabres compile a deep and talented stable of prospects.

As the Sabres have developed into a playoff contender this season, Adams has learned how much other teams covet their young talent.... Read the full article

Sabres maintain focus, bounce back by beating Lightning: ‘We needed that’

BUFFALO – Just over halfway into Saturday afternoon’s entertaining 5-3 win, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin appeared to have Anthony Cirelli lined up for an open-ice hit before both players suddenly moved.

Dahlin and Cirelli got tangled, and the Tampa Bay Lightning center quickly chased down his opponent, igniting a melee as the Sabres led 2-1. As Cirelli kept Dahlin pinned on the ice, Sabres winger Jeff Skinner zoomed in to help.

Skinner and Cirelli each ... Read the full article

Sabres believe Jordan Greenway can reach new levels: ‘A lot of potential’

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Don Granato and newcomer Jordan Greenway go back nearly 10 years, to their days together at the U.S. National Team Development program.

Having coached Greenway as a teenager, Granato has a unique understanding of the 6-foot-6, 231-pound winger’s skill set and potential.

“There’s lots of players in the league I’m very familiar with and coached,” Granato said of Greenway, who was acquired from the Minnesota Wild prior to Friday’s trade deadline. ... Read the full article

GM Kevyn Adams becomes emotional talking about Sabres; Trade for Jordan Greenway beefs team up

BUFFALO – Following Friday’s trade deadline, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams was talking about his excitement for the stretch run when, suddenly, he became choked up.

For the first time in years, the Sabres are playing meaningful late-season games as they fight to end an NHL-record playoff drought. In the hours before the deadline, Adams beefed up his team by trading for hulking winger Jordan Greenway. On Monday, he acquired defenseman Riley Stillman.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Rasmus Asplund traded; Injured Rasmus Dahlin practices

BUFFALO – Following his first season as an NHL regular and a standout performance at the World Championship, forward Rasmus Asplund was expected to become a big contributor to the Sabres this year.

Instead, Asplund, 25, lost his regular spot in the lineup in late November, quickly morphing into a spare part.

The Swede had played just two of the last 18 games and 27 overall this season when the Sabres dealt him to the ... Read the full article