WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Free Agency Edition
Carter Hutton has made difference with the Sabres. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Even in a new role as an NHL starter, Sabres goalie Carter Hutton’s mentality hasn’t changed. The popular veteran still acts like he’s trying to crack the big leagues.
“He’s just trying to prove himself every day, whether (it was) earlier in his career, when he was a backup, (or) now he’s in the No. 1 position where he’s played a lot of hockey,” said Sabres coach Phil Housley, who knows Hutton from ... Read the full article
Lawrence Pilut has terrific vision. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – If you’ve watched Sabres defenseman Lawrence Pilut closely, you possibly noticed he often taps his stick on the ice before shooting the puck.
Why? The rookie said he wants to get rid of the snow that has accumulated on his blade.
“Get a feel for the puck a little better,” Pilut explained after recording an assist in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win against the Los Angeles Kings inside KeyBank Center.... Read the full article
Carter Hutton has quickly become one of the Sabres’ leaders. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Five years into his NHL career and 21 games into his new gig as the Sabres’ starter, goalie Carter Hutton’s mentality hasn’t changed.
“He’s just trying to prove himself every day, whether (it was) earlier in his career, when he was a backup, (or) now he’s in the No. 1 position where he’s played a lot of hockey,” said Sabres coach Phil Housley, who knows Hutton from his days as a Nashville Predators ... Read the full article
Zemgus Girgensons made two huge plays Tuesday. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – One play was a highlight-reel goal. Sabres winger Zemgus Girgensons didn’t just steal the puck and outmuscle any ordinary defenseman to score a first-period goal Tuesday; he made former Norris Trophy winner Drew Doughty look silly.
The other play, while not as memorable, was just as critical to the Sabres’ 4-3 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings. In the third period, Girgensons outraced Jeff Carter to negate an icing.
“It’s little details ... Read the full article
Rasmus Dahlin held the puck for about 22 straight seconds Tuesday. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – After a particularly frustrating power play in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin showcased some rare emotion, slamming his stick on the ice before snapping it.
“When you can’t score, it’s pretty tough,” Dahlin said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “Bad sticks, I wanted a new one so I broke it.”
After Dahlin’s little outburst, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen joked with the rookie on the bench.
While Dahlin couldn’t remember what ... Read the full article
Jeff Skinner (53) scores the overtime winner Tuesday. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – We’d seen contests like Tuesday’s come-from-behind 4-3 victory against the Los Angeles Kings from the Sabres before. They played, oh, about eight of them during their thrilling 10-game winning streak last month.
After a nondescript or subpar opening 40 minutes or so, the Sabres often roar back late and win in overtime or a shootout.
It’s a risky way to win games, for sure, but those type of triumphs briefly elevated them to ... Read the full article
Matt Hunwick has missed 31 games this season. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – On April 1, defenseman Matt Hunwick made his 521st NHL appearance, skating just over 12 minutes in Pittsburgh’s 3-1 loss in Washington.
More than eight months later, Hunwick, 33, hasn’t played another game. That should, however, change tonight for the Sabres newcomer, who has missed the first 31 contests this season recovering from a neck injury.
The Sabres plan to have Hunwick start an AHL rehab assignment with the Rochester Americans, Sabres coach ... Read the full article
Matt Hunwick has been recovering from a neck injury. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – On April 1, defenseman Matt Hunwick made his 521st NHL appearance, skating just over 12 minutes in Pittsburgh’s 3-1 loss to Washington.
More than eight months later, Hunwick, 33, hasn’t played another game. That should, however, change Wednesday for the Sabres newcomer, who has missed the first 30 contests this season recovering from a neck injury.
Hunwick will be assigned to the Rochester Americans for an AHL rehab assignment today, Sabres coach Phil ... Read the full article
Linus Ullmark will make his third straight start tonight. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Since goalie Carter Hutton is healthy enough to back up Linus Ullmark tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, the Sabres sent Scott Wedgewood to the AHL this morning.
Hutton, who played 21 times this season, missed Saturday afternoon’s 6-2 loss to Philadelphia.
“He had a really good day yesterday,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “I just want to get him in one more practice before he plays.”... Read the full article
Jason Pominville has been struggling offensively. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – After starting slowly this season, Sabres winger Kyle Okposo found a groove around late October, scoring five goals and 12 points over an 18-game stretch.
Not surprisingly, Okposo’s production coincided with the Sabres’ surge to the top of the NHL. The veteran usually skates on the second or third line, so his offense provided some critical secondary scoring.
Then like most of the Sabres, Okposo, 30, suddenly stopped scoring. Since their 10-game winning ... Read the full article