Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres goalie James Reimer’s terrific play gives UPL chance to reset

BUFFALO – James Reimer, the same goalie the Sabres lost on waivers early in the season and who regularly went a week or more between appearances as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s backup after they reclaimed him, took over the net earlier this week.

In his most extensive action all year, Reimer, 37, backstopped the Sabres to three straight wins, posting a 2.67 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage.

In last Sunday’s afternoon’s 5-3 road win ... Read the full article

Sabres use second-period outburst to beat Penguins after Sidney Crosby sets point-per-game seasons record

BUFFALO – In almost 37 minutes over two abbreviated starts against the Sabres this season, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry looked downright awful, allowing seven goals on 17 shots and getting yanked twice.

It must be noted the Sabres lost the first game they chased Jarry, the start of disturbing stretch in which they dropped five contests when the starting netminder departed.

On Thursday, however, the Sabres kept throttling the hapless Penguins and Alex Nedeljkovic, ... Read the full article

Isak Rosen knows he must produce for Sabres: ‘I need to play better’

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Isak Rosen understands the opportunities he has recently enjoyed are difficult to earn.

Rosen, the Rochester Americans’ leading scorer, has been recalled three times this month as the Sabres deal with a depleted forward corps.

They’re giving the Swede, the 14th overall pick in 2021, a chance to showcase the talent that has helped him score 27 goals and 54 points in 55 games this season.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Zucker out against Pens; James Reimer expected to start again

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Jason Zucker will miss tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins because a family matter, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff hopes Zucker will be available for Saturday afternoon’s road game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Meanwhile, Ruff said winger Sam Lafferty, who took reps on a line this morning, will likely miss his third straight game with a groin injury.... Read the full article

With lineup weakened, Sabres look to Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak and others

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-2 win, Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker, two of the Sabres’ top wingers, each played about three minutes under their season averages.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators he believed the virus that has recently run through the team was no longer a problem.

Two hours before the contest, the Sabres recalled center Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans. Dunne and defenseman Jacob Bryson ... Read the full article

Coach Lindy Ruff wins 600th game with Sabres, feels hope for future

BUFFALO – Lindy Ruff is admittedly a bit stubborn. The veteran coach believes he can fix anything, even his current team, which still sits in last place following Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, his 600th victory with the Sabres.

After becoming the second coach in NHL history to reach the milestone with one team, Ruff compared taking over the Sabres this season in the midst of their NHL-record 13-year playoff drought to driving ... Read the full article

Before trade to Senators, Dylan Cozens wanted to find solution with Sabres

BUFFALO – Center Dylan Cozens, one of the Sabres’ core assets just a few weeks ago, emerged from the visiting dressing room clad in black, red and gold gear and walked to a backdrop adorned with logos of the Ottawa Senators.

Then Cozens, sporting a backwards baseball hat and his customary smile, began answering questions about the deadline trade that sent him to the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rival.

“It still really doesn’t feel real ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris frustrated by injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – The Sabres and Josh Norris want to be smart about his mid-body injury, so while the newcomer marked tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators on the calendar after they recently traded him, he won’t rush back for it.

If everything goes well, then perhaps Norris, 25, will be ready for next Tuesday’s game in Ottawa.

That, of course, is a big if.

Tonight’s game will be the sixth straight contest the center has ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius moves to wing, learning to evolve in Rochester

ROCHESTER – When Americans coach Mike Leone examines Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius’ entire rookie season – his adjustment to the rigors of the AHL over his first six months and 55 games in North America – he sees what he called a “net positive.”

Helenius, 18, arrived possessing notable pro experience, having spent two seasons playing in Liiga, a top-tier pro circuit in his native Finland.

By his second year with Jukurit, he ... Read the full article

Watch: Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund scores first hat trick for Rochester

Center Noah Ostlund’s first full season in North America can be split into two parts: pre- and post-hand injury.

The Buffalo Sabres prospect scored just one goal, his only point, in his first six outings with the Rochester Americans before suffering a hand injury.

Following a 21-game absence, Ostlund returned shortly before Christmas and struggled to score. In his seventh contest back, he recorded an assist.

The Swede, the 16th overall pick in 2022, ... Read the full article