Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Zach Bogosian skating again, expected to play this season

BUFFALO – When the Sabres announced defenseman Zach Bogosian had undergone successful hip surgery, they said he would need five to six months to recover.

That was six months ago today.

Bogosian, who has battled injuries for years, suffered setbacks during the summer and hasn’t even started practicing yet.

But Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said prior to Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks he believes Bogosian, 29, will play this season.... Read the full article

Jason Botterill says coaches, players have contributed to Sabres’ hot start

BUFFALO – Seven wins in their first nine games have positioned the upstart Sabres among the NHL’s early-season elite.

Right now, having already earned 15 points, they’re tied for first overall and rank first in the Eastern Conference entering tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks.

Few expected the Sabres, who earned just 16 points over their final 33 outings as they imploded last season, would turn things around so quickly.

The offseason additions – ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt, linemates starting to score after slow start

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ torrid start has created lineup stability not felt in these parts in a long time.

Through nine games, the 7-1-1 Sabres have dressed just 21 players, only making one change – Evan Rodrigues for winger Conor Sheary – when an injury forced them.

The lineup has essentially remained intact all season entering tonight’s home game against the San Jose Sharks, right down to the same lines and defense pairs.

Health, of ... Read the full article

NHL third star honor caps Sabres goalie Carter Hutton’s interesting week

BUFFALO – How’s this for an interesting week? Sabres goalie Carter Hutton posted two shutouts, yet he didn’t even start consecutive games.

Instead of awarding Hutton another nod, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger started Linus Ullmark both games following the veteran’s dazzling performances.

But Hutton, who earned the NHL’s third star for the week ending October 20, isn’t worried about his playing time. He knows the coaching staff must make some hard decisions.

“I don’t know ... Read the full article

Sabres send goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres assigned top goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the Rochester Americans today, another step in his recovery from offseason hip surgery.

Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said last month he hopes Luukkonen can start playing games in early November. The Finn spent the early part of the season rehabbing in Buffalo.

When Luukkonen underwent surgery in April, the Sabres said he would need six months to recover.... Read the full article

Sabres send Curtis Lazar to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres sent forward Curtis Lazar back to the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

Winger Conor Sheary returned from his upper-body injury for Thursday’s 3-0 win against the Los Angeles Kings, giving the Sabres two extra forwards.

The Sabres, who close their three-game road trip Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, scratched Lazar all three games he was with them.... Read the full article

Ducks’ Nick Ritchie fined maximum for hit on Sabres’ Vladimir Sobotka

The NHL has fined Ducks forward Nick Ritchie $4,121, the maximum amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for roughing Sabres winger Vladimir Sobotka in Buffalo’s 5-2 loss Wednesday in Anaheim, the Department of Player Safety announced today.

After a whistle 15:57 into the second period, Ritchie grabbed Sobotka by the head and tackled him, earning two minor penalties for roughing.

The NHL gives the money to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.... Read the full article

Jimmy Vesey happy with Sabres, says start has been ‘good and bad’

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Jimmy Vesey has quickly learned to like what his new city offers, including the easy drive to work.

Vesey, who spent three seasons with the New York Rangers, already knows he can get anywhere in about 15 or 20 minutes.

“There’s a big convenience factor, I think, in terms of commuting and everything like that,” Vesey said prior to Monday afternoon’s 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars. “I’m settling in nice.”... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger has Sabres looking like playoff contender early in tenure

BUFFALO – Few figured coach Ralph Krueger could transform the Sabres so quickly that – gasp – a playoff berth would feel possible this season.

Players need time to understand new messages and systems. Besides, Krueger inherited a hapless team that won just two games last March.

It would take time – maybe months, even a season – before the Sabres showed real progress, right?

Well, six games into Krueger’s tenure, the Sabres are still ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Vladimir Sobotka shaking off poor season, earning respect

BUFFALO – In the first period Monday afternoon, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger tapped winger Vladimir Sobotka for two defensive-zone draws.

“He went right out there and cleanly won them and took us out of our end,” Krueger said following the Sabres’ 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars inside KeyBank Center.

Then 4:20 into the third period, Sobotka’s nifty pass past a sliding defender created linemate Jeff Skinner’s goal.

The Czech’s first point this season put ... Read the full article