Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin set to play after one-game absence

BUFFALO – Rasmus Dahlin’s absence last game wasn’t just related to getting sucker punched in the face by the Carolina Hurricanes’ Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

“It was an accident after,” the Sabres defenseman said this morning of the upper-body injury that sidelined him Saturday. “I was hit kind of late. My neck was a little bit off. I don’t know, it was a mix of everything. So it wasn’t that situation.”

Dahlin, 22, will return for tonight’s ... Read the full article

With Rasmus Dahlin, other Sabres hurt, Owen Power displaying star qualities

BUFFALO – Sooner than later, Sabres rookie Owen Power was expected to play mega minutes and emerge as a workhorse on the blue line.

But just 20 games into his NHL career? Well, Power skated a personal-high 28 minutes, 14 seconds in Saturday’s 5-3 road loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Through 12 outings this season entering tonight’s contest against the Arizona Coyotes at KeyBank Center, he has averaged 23 minutes, 9 seconds of ice ... Read the full article

Sabres unveil revamped black and red ‘Goathead’ third jersey

Having grown up a rabid Buffalo Sabres fan in the early 2000s, the team’s black and red “Goathead” jersey holds special meaning for winger Alex Tuch.

“Definitely my favorite jersey (of all-time),” a smiling Tuch said Monday after the Sabres unveiled a new black and red jersey modeled after the uniforms they wore from 1996 to 2006.

The Sabres, of course, also recently introduced a blue and gold Reverse Retro alternate white jersey with the ... Read the full article

Injured Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin could play Tuesday

BUFFALO – Sabres deefenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who suffered an upper-body injury in Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, could play Tuesday, coach Don Granato said.

“There is a chance,” Granato said following this afternoon’s practice at KeyBank Center.

Dahlin, the Sabres’ top defenseman, did not practice today. Late in the session, he walked out in the tunnel and watched his teammates for several minutes.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Lukas Rousek scores highlight-reel goal for Amerks

ROCHESTER – In the opening weeks of his first full AHL season, Americans winger Lukas Rousek has further cemented his status as one of the Sabres’ best forward prospects.

Through the first nine games, Rousek, 23, has registered three goals and nine points, the Amerks’ third-highest total. With veteran forwards Sean Malone and Michael Mersch injured, the Czech’s contributions have been critical the team’s 6-3-0-0 start.

Rousek tied Friday’s game against the Utica Comets 3:19 ... Read the full article

After injury, slow start, Sabres captain Kyle Okposo producing offense again

BUFFALO – As Sabres captain Kyle Okposo struggled through the first week of the season, he tried to keep a strong perspective and any negative thoughts to a minimum.

Okposo, 34, wanted to give his mind a break during a hectic time. An upper-body injury had sidelined him during the final days of training camp, costing him valuable preparation time as he began his 16th NHL campaign. He had also just been named the 20th ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ilya Lyubushkin nearing return from lower-body injury

BUFFALO – Defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, out the last three games with a lower-body injury, practiced Thursday and is day to day, according to the Sabres.

“Feel good,” Lyubushkin said following the session at KeyBank Center. “Getting better and better every day.”

Could Lyubushkin, 28, return for tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes or Saturday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning?... Read the full article

Sabres roar back late to beat Penguins, looking like playoff contender

BUFFALO – Ten games and seven wins into a new season, the Sabres look like they’ve already grabbed their spot among the Eastern Conference’s heavyweights.

The Sabres didn’t just beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Wednesday; they roared back from a two-goal, third-period deficit for the second time in three contests.

In extending their winning streak to three games, the Sabres shook off a weak start, sending the reeling Penguins to their sixth consecutive loss ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jeff Skinner racking up assists, showing playmaking skills

BUFFALO – Jeff Skinner’s stat line looks a little different this season. Through 10 games, the Sabres winger has registered two goals and eight assists.

Why is that unusual? Well, only three times in 12 NHL seasons – in his first two years and again in 2017-18 – has Skinner finished with more assists than goals.

Over his career, Skinner, an aggressive, shifty presence, has scored 300 goals and registered 252 assists. He’s known more ... Read the full article

Sabres expect ‘angry’ Penguins team; Eric Comrie starts again

BUFFALO – The Pittsburgh Penguins limped into town this morning in the midst of one of their worst stretches in recent memory.

In Tuesday’s 6-5 home loss to the Boston Bruins, they blew three-goal second-period lead before falling in overtime. At least the Penguins earned a point, ending their four-game regulation losing streak.

They lost every game of their western road trip late last month, scoring just six goals.... Read the full article