Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres sign prospect Matej Pekar to entry-level contract

Just 10 games with the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts was enough to convince the Buffalo Sabres center Matej Pekar has a future in pro hockey.

The Sabres have signed Pekar to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced today. They drafted the Czech in the fourth-round earlier this year, 94th overall.

The OHL rookie has already compiled six goals and 11 points this season.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian set to return

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian, who hasn’t played a regular-season game since Jan. 9, will return for Tuesday’s tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Bogosian, 28, underwent season-ending hip surgery in February. The Sabres eased him along in training camp, holding him out of some practices.

But Bogosian suffered a lower-body injury during a Sept. 25 preseason game. He has refused to say if it was related to his hip injury.... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Rasmus Dahlin scores first NHL goal

It should surprise no one Rasmus Dahlin scored his first goal because he zoomed to the net. In his early days in the NHL, the slick Buffalo Sabres rookie already showcases an aggressiveness few defensemen possess.

Dahlin, 18, joins the rush so much he often looks like a forward.

So it was fitting 2:45 into Saturday’s 3-0 road win, Dahlin, who was trailing the play, moved in from the slot and buried winger Jeff Skinner’s ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark quietly waiting to play

BUFFALO – Sitting on the bench patiently waiting for an opportunity to play is a new experience for Linus Ullmark. Since coming to North America three years ago, the Sabres goalie has averaged 51 outings a season.

The Swede is used to being the guy.

But this season, Ullmark, 25, graduated to the Sabres following a three-year AHL apprenticeship. While he certainly showcased the qualities of a No. 1 NHL goalie with the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jeff Skinner moves to line with Casey Mittelstadt

BUFFALO – The tenacity Sabres winger Jeff Skinner has showcased early this season impresses coach Phil Housley.

“I really like the way he’s working, his forechecking,” Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “He steals pucks and he strips pucks. (I like) the way he’s coming back into our zone. There’s just nothing evolving from that point.”

Skinner, 26, is pointless in first four outings with the Sabres. So Housley moved the left winger, an ... Read the full article

Sabres implode early, get blown out by Avalanche

BUFFALO – About 32 hours before the Sabres began Thursday’s ugly 6-1 loss, veteran winger Kyle Okposo saw some ominous signs of trouble during practice.

Throughout the short season, the Sabres had been dialed in and ready, according to Okposo. But fresh off two straight wins, he said they looked sloppy during Wednesday’s session.

“It was a lot like how we played the first period,” an agitated Okposo said after the Colorado Avalanche shellacked the ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Casey Mittelstadt focusing on defensive side

BUFFALO – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt has produced goals and points at every level of hockey. So right now, 10 games into his NHL career, the rookie said he isn’t worried about his offense.

“I’m sure the offense will come, it usually does,” Mittelstadt said prior to Thursday’s 6-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche inside KeyBank Center. “I’m pretty good with that.”

Mittelstadt, 19, has been an offensive stud wherever he plays. Last season, he ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Casey Mittelstadt trying to evolve game

BUFFALO – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt has produced goals and points at every level of hockey. So right now, nine games into his NHL career, the rookie said he isn’t worried about his offense.

“I’m sure the offense will come, it usually does,” Mittelstadt said this morning after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s tilt against the Colorado Avalanche inside KeyBank Center. “I’m pretty good with that.”

Mittelstadt, 19, has been an offensive stud wherever he ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Johan Larsson to make season debut, play wing

BUFFALO – In his brief time with the Sabres, center Casey Mittelstadt has never even practiced beside Johan Larsson, who will return from a lower-body injury tonight.

While the Sabres used the same lineup in two straight wins, coach Phil Housley wants to give Larsson, 26, a look. So the Swede, who usually plays center, will skate at left wing beside Mittelstadt and Tage Thompson tonight against the Colorado Avalanche inside KeyBank Center.

Larsson, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ depth has buoyed strong start

BUFFALO – Depth means coach Phil Housley can utilize his so-called fourth line for critical defensive zone faceoffs. It means the Sabres can replace former center Ryan O’Reilly’s minutes by committee. It means it can often be hard to distinguish between the first and fourth trios.

Right now, for the first time in years, the 2-1 Sabres possess depth up front and the ability to roll four lines.

“We’ve been rolling them pretty good,” center ... Read the full article