Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres recall prospect from Rochester again; Tyson Kozak close to playing

BUFFALO – Center Noah Ostlund is back with the Sabres following a five-day stint in the minors.

The Sabres this morning recalled the prospect from the Rochester Americans because forwards Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker are sick and out for tonight’s game against the Utah Mammoth at KeyBank Center.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Kulich, who has fluid in his ears, likely won’t play in Thursday’s home contest against the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, Ruff said ... Read the full article

After trade from Mammoth, Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring happy with Sabres

BUFFALO – Sabres newcomers Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring clearly had a blast last season helping the Utah Mammoth establish roots in the franchise’s first year in Salt Lake City following 28 years in Arizona.

Tonight’s game at KeyBank Center, their first meeting against their former team since being traded to the Sabres, has likely been circled on the schedule for months.

On Sunday night, Kesselring said he and Doan texted with Utah center ... Read the full article

With Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker sick, Sabres could make roster moves

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said forwards Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker are doubtful for Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Mammoth because of illness.

Both players missed today’s practice.

Kulich played one shift in the third period of Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Washington Capitals.... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stars in Sabres’ shootout win; Isak Rosen scores first NHL goal

BUFFALO – Two days before Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s splendid 33-save outing in Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win, coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged the Finn, having recently missed so much time, likely wasn’t ready to be a big difference-maker.

Luukkonen, who on Saturday made just his second NHL start this season and first in a week, has spent most of the last two months battling two lower-body injuries.

In his absence, veteran Alex Lyon quickly emerged as ... Read the full article

With Zach Benson injured, Isak Rosen earns another chance with Sabres

BUFFALO – After the Sabres assigned wing prospect Isak Rosen to the Rochester Americans, he immediately began a three-week offensive tear, scoring two times opening night and registering five goals and 12 points in his first eight outings.

Fresh off a disappointing training camp with the Sabres, the Swede, 22, quickly established himself as one of the AHL’s elite scorers early in his fourth season.

When winger Zach Benson suffered a lower-body injury – coach ... Read the full article

After odd few weeks, Sabres begin new month in solid spot; Buffalo could turn to different goalie

BUFFALO – The Sabres will wake up ahead of tonight’s home game against the Washington Capitals in seventh place in the stacked Atlantic Division but just two points out of third.

Despite finishing October with 11 points, the division’s lowest total – the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs have the same number – the Sabres begin November in a solid spot following an odd few weeks.

They stumbled out ... Read the full article

Sabres recall forward prospect from Rochester Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday recalled winger Isak Rosen, whose 12 points were tied for the AHL lead entering the night’s schedule, from the Rochester Americans.

Rosen’s five goals were tied for second in the league.

Following an underwhelming training camp in Buffalo, the prospect scored two goals for the Amerks opening night and hasn’t let up. So far, he has gone pointless just once in eight games.... Read the full article

Sabres send forward prospect back to Rochester Amerks

BUFFALO – In his last outing before the Sabres returned him to the minors, center prospect Noah Ostlund enjoyed his best offensive performance in the NHL, coach Lindy Ruff said, pumping a career-high three shots on goal and attempting four.

The Swede’s effort in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets impressed Ruff, who recently placed him on a scoring line between Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn.

Ostlund, who on Thursday was sent ... Read the full article

Heavy game helping Josh Dunne make strong case to stick with Sabres

BUFFALO – With Tuesday’s game tied in the final minutes of regulation, Sabres winger Josh Dunne grabbed the puck down low and single-handedly generated his own scoring chance.

Dunne, who scored his first NHL goal earlier in the period to restore the Sabres’ lead, utilized his 6-foot-4, 208-pound body to shield off defenders and move around before shooting on Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves.

“That’s my identity as a player is puck protecting and ... Read the full article

After second surgery, long wait, Sabres’ Jordan Greenway ready to play

BUFFALO – Sabres forward Jordan Greenway battled his mid-body injury for nearly a year, enduring stops and starts and undergoing two surgeries to repair it.

Finally, Greenway, who has missed 57 of the Sabres’ last 75 games dating back to last season, is ready to go.

The Canton native is expected to play his first game since March 23 tonight in Boston against the Bruins.... Read the full article