Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Jacob Bryson dazzles in return to lineup: ‘Played a fearless game’

BUFFALO – Four minutes into Saturday’s second period, Sabres defenseman Jacob Bryson zoomed into the left corner in the Montreal zone and made quick work of Jake Evans, blocking his clearing attempt before outworking him for the puck.

Bryson knew a teammate had covered his position, so he skated behind the net and fed winger Alex Tuch, who beat Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes to tie the game at 1.

In his first action in 21 ... Read the full article

‘Brutal’ play late in second period costs Sabres in loss to Canadiens

BUFFALO – In the waning seconds of Saturday’s second period, with skaters at four per side following coincidental minors, the Sabres went into penalty-mode killing mode.

The Sabres looked timid as the Montreal Canadiens passed the puck around their zone, acting as if the visitors had a power play.

As the final seconds ticked down, Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson skated from the point into the right circle in front of Sabres winger Alex Tuch.

Instead ... Read the full article

With trade deadline approaching, Jason Zucker injured; Sabres to make lineup changes against Canadiens

BUFFALO – After blocking a shot last Saturday and crawling off the ice injured, Sabres winger Jason Zucker returned to the game and played again Tuesday.

Zucker, 33, seemed to be fine.

Well, not quite. The veteran will his miss his second straight game tonight with a lower-body injury.

What’s going on?

“He’s just having trouble with his injury,” coach Lindy Ruff said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens at ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi displaying dominance in Rochester after slump

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Devon Levi’s ability to embrace any adversity he experiences has enhanced his development with the Americans.

Levi, 23, has enjoyed a stellar run here over parts of two seasons, winning 66 percent of his games while emerging as one of the AHL’s elite goalies.

Still, like any second-year pro, he has felt some bumps. Last month, he lost back-to-back games in regulation for the first time.

In the second outing ... Read the full article

As trade deadline nears, Sabres’ Henri Jokiharju shaking off struggles

BUFFALO – In his seven-year NHL career, Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju has scored 19 goals, none prettier than Tuesday’s game winner.

As he carried the puck to the bottom of the right circle almost halfway through the third period, Jokiharju said he did not see Anaheim Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal was offering him a few inches above his left shoulder.

Jokiharju, whose Sabres play a road game tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, said he was ... Read the full article

Sabres showcase maturity, roar back to beat Ducks: ‘You see the change’

BUFFALO – In the not-so-distant past, a game like Tuesday’s 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Anaheim Ducks would’ve been a four-goal loss, Sabres winger Alex Tuch said.

By the third period, when the Sabres began roaring back from a 2-0 deficit, they would’ve been toast, having wilted earlier in the contest.

But they’ve matured over the last few months. Perhaps it’s too late to help them this season.

Even after earning their sixth win straight ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn winning more battles, scoring goals

BUFFALO – These days, Sabres winger Jack Quinn is winning a heck of a lot more battles than just a few months ago when he struggled so badly he fell out of the lineup.

In turn, he has the puck more often and the ability to showcase his talent.

Quinn, 23, has transformed his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame a bit during his trying season, adding strength. So far, it has paid dividends.

“It’s that a little ... Read the full article

Injured Sabres Alex Tuch, Jason Zucker to be game-time decisions

BUFFALO – Injured Sabres wingers Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker both skated this morning and will be game-time decisions tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff said the Sabres will dress an extra player for the pregame warm-up in KeyBank Center.

Tuch, who has played all 55 games this season, departed Saturday afternoon’s 8-2 win over the New York Rangers after being hit in the corner. Zucker, meanwhile, briefly left the contest ... Read the full article

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin on tear, quietly becoming one of NHL’s top offensive threats

BUFFALO – At his current pace, captain Rasmus Dahlin would register 72 points over a full season, one less than his career high and the second-highest total by a Sabres defenseman in the last 35 years.

Pretty good, right? Well, consider Dahlin has scored nine goals and 46 points despite battling injuries from the get-go this season and missing eight games with back spasms in December.

What kind of gaudy numbers would the ultra-talented Swede ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jordan Greenway has impact in return following surgery

BUFFALO – Fourteen seconds into his first shift in nine weeks, Sabres winger Jordan Greenway signaled he would be a factor all afternoon by knocking New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider into the boards.

“I’m always trying to find a way to get engaged,” Greenway said following the Sabres’ 8-2 win in KeyBank Center. “Typically for me, it’s playing physical, finishing hits. It’s the easiest way for me to get into the game. I felt ... Read the full article