Buffalo’s Dennis Gilbert fights Columbus’ Mathieu Olivier three seconds into Tuesday’s game. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Dennis Gilbert fights, creates goal as Sabres beat Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Dennis Gilbert offered little insight into how his fight just three seconds into Tuesday’s 3-2 win materialized.

There’s a code, you know.

“Off the cuff,” the local kid said of his scrap with Columbus Blue Jackets winger Mathieu Olivier, one of the NHL’s emerging heavyweights, immediately after the puck dropped.

Did Gilbert know when he saw Olivier’s name in the starting lineup they would be dropping their gloves?... Read the full article

Tage Thompson leads Buffalo in goals and points. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

After weak response to illegal hit on Tage Thompson, Sabres hold meeting: ‘Won’t happen again’

BUFFALO – No one would reveal any details of the meeting.

But on Monday, less than a day after an illegal hit knocked Tage Thompson out of their 4-3 win, the Sabres canceled practice and instead discussed why they did not go after Stefan Noesen following his suspension-worthy check to their leading scorer’s head.

“It was dealt with yesterday. Everything,” Sabres winger Alex Tuch said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets ... Read the full article

Isak Rosen has scored 23 goals this season. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres recall prospect Isak Rosen from Rochester, make other roster move

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Monday recalled winger Isak Rosen, whose 23 goals rank second in the AHL this season, from the Rochester Americans.

To create a roster spot, the Sabres placed center Tyson Kozak on injured reserve. Coach Lindy Ruff said on Saturday that Kozak was sick. He missed Sunday afternoon’s 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Kozak took a puck off the hand area in Friday’s 4-3 victory against the Nashville ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson has been one of the NHL’s hottest players. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres’ Tage Thompson named NHL’s Second Star after torrid week

BUFFALO – A torrid week in which winger Tage Thompson led the NHL with four goals, eight points and a plus-9 rating as the Sabres won three consecutive games has earned him the league’s Second Star honors for the week ending Sunday.

The American compiled all of his points at even strength.

Thompson, 27, began the week by scoring three goals and four points in last Tuesday’s 7-2 win over the Boston Bruins. He recorded ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson is assisted by head athletic trainer Rich Stinziano after getting hit in the head Sunday afternoon. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres eke out win over Devils, don’t go after Stefan Noesen following illegal hit on Tage Thompson

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Lindy Ruff cut off a reporter, refusing to let him finish the question.

“Bull(crap). Bull(crap),” an agitated Ruff interjected when asked about the perception his team did not respond properly Sunday afternoon when New Jersey Devils winger Stefan Noesen hit leading scorer Tage Thompson in the head, knocking him out of the Sabres’ 4-3 win. “Let’s go. Next question.”

Ruff said Thompson, who scored one goal and three points as the ... Read the full article

Jason Zucker has scored 17 goals this season. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

As trade deadline approaches, Sabres interested in re-signing Jason Zucker

BUFFALO – In the coming days or weeks, Sabres winger Jason Zucker will almost certainly hit the 20-goal mark, one of hockey’s special achievements.

Zucker, 33, is no stranger to the number, having surpassed it five times in his 14-year NHL career, most recently when he scored 27 times in 2022-23.

His ability to keep scoring at an advanced age isn’t surprising. But when he signed a one-year, $5 million contract in free agency, few ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich has been on a tear. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

On Rob Ray’s special night, Sabres get two goals from Jiri Kulich, beat Preds

BUFFALO – Early in Friday’s 4-3 come-from-behind win, it appeared the Sabres might ride the emotion of Rob Ray’s induction into the team’s hall of fame to a convincing victory.

As Ray gave a heartfelt pregame speech on the KeyBank Center ice, the Sabres, all sporting blue shirts of the legendary tough, watched from the bench.

Then they pounced on the Nashville Predators, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead with owners Terry and Kim ... Read the full article

Rob Ray usually provides color analysis from ice level. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres legend Rob Ray developed into much more than fighter

BUFFALO – Forget about all of those fights. In his prime, legendary Sabres tough guy Rob Ray often impacted games with more than his fists.

Ray, who was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame in an emotional ceremony prior to Friday’s 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators, played a fearless and heavy style as a winger. He could be relentless and wear opponents out.

“Robby was a really good skater,” said John Van Boxmeer, ... Read the full article

Rob Ray would take on any heavyweight. ©2025, Janet Schultz

Sabres Hall of Fame: Despite pleas from coach, Rob Ray fought Dave Brown, became NHL heavyweight

BUFFALO – John Muckler’s voice cut through the din of the crowd that night 32 years ago as Sabres tough guy Rob Ray squared off with hulking Philadelphia Flyers heavyweight Dave Brown.

Muckler, having coached Brown with the Edmonton Oilers, knew him well. He feared Ray could be in way over his head.

The 6-foot-5 Brown, after all, ranked among the NHL’s most feared and punishing fighters. Few dared to challenge him.

So from the ... Read the full article

Jordan Greenway hasn’t played since Dec. 15. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Jordan Greenway skates with Sabres, happy to be healthy

BUFFALO – After playing Dec. 15 in Toronto, Sabres winger Jordan Greenway finally had enough. Instead of trying to play through the discomfort, he decided to undergo surgery to repair his mid-body injury.

Greenway, 27, wasn’t just gutting things out.

“Other things, I would say, started to be impacted,” Greenway said after participating in this morning’s optional pregame skate in KeyBank Center. “It was almost just going to be maybe sort of a domino effect. ... Read the full article