Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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 Saturday’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 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

Sabres blow late lead, lose in OT again; Josh Dunne, fourth-liners wreak havoc

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ recent run – after Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, they’ve earned points in six of their last seven games – illustrates the significant improvements they’ve made in the last two weeks.

Following their wretched 0-3-0 start, they’ve recovered and positioned themselves in the thick of things at 4-4-2.

Still, if they hope to surge up the standings, they must start closing out games and burying their scoring ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Noah Ostlund looking for first point; Michael Kesselring debuts

BUFFALO – So far, the scoring prowess center Noah Ostlund developed in the AHL – he recorded 18 goals and 34 points over a torrid 32-game stretch before the Sabres summoned him late last season – hasn’t translated to the NHL.

Ostlund began Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in KeyBank Center, his 12th outing with the Sabres, having registered zero points.

Why has the Swede, 21, struggled to produce offense? A couple of ... Read the full article

Sabres to have healthy defense corps for first time all season

For the first time all season, the Sabres will have the six defensemen they envisioned playing together when they retooled their blue line during the offseason.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said this morning Michael Kesselring, who missed the first nine games with an undisclosed injury, will play tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center.

Injuries have ravaged the Sabres from the get-go this season. Since the beginning of training camp, 13 players ... Read the full article

Sabres goalies Colten Ellis, Alex Lyon and UPL all battling for starts

BUFFALO – After just one game, carrying an extra goalie paid off for the Sabres.

On Saturday morning, rookie Colten Ellis, who had traveled to Toronto ahead of his teammates to be ready for his scheduled start, woke up with a stiff back.

Ellis, 25, tested the injury before the Sabres decided he couldn’t play against the Maple Leafs.

No problem. They still had goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 26, and Alex Lyon, 32, on their roster. ... Read the full article

Sabres could have four injured players back by end of week

BUFFALO – By the end of the week, the Sabres could have four injured players back in their lineup.

Defensemen Michael Kesselring and Jacob Bryson, goalie Colten Ellis and winger Jordan Greenway all practiced in contact jerseys Monday in KeyBank Center, where the Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Kesselring, who has missed the first nine games with an undisclosed injury, could make his Sabres debut against Columbus.... Read the full article

Sabres put up fight, lose to Maple Leafs in OT; UPL replaces injured Colten Ellis

TORONTO – Put Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 loss to the Maple Leafs in the acceptable category for the Buffalo Sabres.

Sure, some sting accompanies the overtime setback. They held a late third-period lead. They fell seconds after nearly winning it at the other end.

But the Sabres, fresh off Friday’s 5-3 home win against the Maple Leafs, took three of four points from their closest rival. They’re 4-1-1 in their last six outings.... Read the full article