Anaheim Ducks - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres rookie Victor Olofsson practices, nearing return from lower-body injury

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Victor Olofsson said he has never experienced anything like the lower-body injury that has sidelined him the last 13 games.

In his first seven years as a pro, the high-scoring Swede showcased terrific durability, never missing more than a couple weeks of action.

Then on Jan. 2 against the Edmonton Oilers, Olofsson’s left skate got caught in the ice, causing him to fall backwards.

“It was unfortunate, no one around me, ... 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

Sabres’ acquisition of Brandon Montour shows they want to win now

TORONTO – On Sunday night, Sabres general manager Jason Botterill made a significant trade for this season, sending a 2019 first-round pick and defense prospect Brendan Guhle to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Brandon Montour.

Think about that, the Sabres, a team seemingly in perpetual rebuilding mode, dealt futures for an established NHL player before today’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

But for the first time since 2011-12, the Sabres are in the playoff ... Read the full article

Sabres acquire Brandon Montour from Ducks

BUFFALO – General manager Jason Botterill made a significant trade tonight to help the Sabres this season, sending a 2019 first-round pick and defense prospect Brendan Guhle to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Brandon Montour.

The first-round pick is the one the Sabres received from the San Jose Sharks last year, according to TSN. The Ducks have the option of taking the Sabres’ first-rounder from the St. Louis Blues if it’s between pick 20 to ... Read the full article

Former Sabres goalie Chad Johnson happy with Ducks

BUFFALO – When former Sabres goalie Chad Johnson entered free agency and began studying teams he could potentially join, he zeroed in on the St. Louis Blues.

Johnson, 32, examined the Blues on paper, talked to people familiar with them and did enough homework to feel comfortable signing a one-year, $1.75 million contract July 1.

“I thought it was going to be a good fit,” Johnson, who endured a rough season with the Sabres in ... Read the full article

Linus Ullmark blanks Ducks, Sabres head into break on high note

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark could’ve been forgiven if it took him a little time to acclimate to his new role as a backup, perhaps the NHL’s toughest job.

No. 2 netminders often go a week or more without playing. When they finally start, they often receive the second of back-to-back games.

But Ullmark, 25, has transitioned nicely into his new gig, winning eight of his first 13 appearances subbing for No. 1 goalie ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Randy Carlyle remembers Phil Housley’s talents

BUFFALO – Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle still remembers a skinny rookie named Phil Housley entering the NHL fresh out of high school in 1982.

“I can remember Phil coming here as an 18-year-old defenseman and looking and saying, ‘Holy crow, how’s this kid going to last?’”

Well, Housley lasted a long time, playing 21 seasons, including eight with the Sabres, in what would be a Hall of Fame career.

But 36 years ago, ... Read the full article

Randy Carlyle: Sabres’ Phil Housley far ahead of his time as player

BUFFALO – Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle still remembers a skinny rookie named Phil Housley entering the NHL fresh out of high school in 1982.

“I can remember Phil coming here as an 18-year-old defenseman and looking and saying, ‘Holy crow, how’s this kid going to last?’”

Well, Housley lasted a long time, playing 21 seasons, including eight with the Sabres, in what would be a Hall of Fame career.

But 36 years ago, Housley, ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back, fall to Ducks in OT

BUFFALO – It would’ve been one of the Sabres’ most rewarding wins all season.

Shortly after Ryan O’Reilly’s own goal put the Anaheim Ducks up late Tuesday, the center redeemed himself, tying the contest with 15 seconds left in regulation.

But instead of seizing the momentum, the disjointed Sabres imploded again before the announced crowd of 16,788 inside KeyBank Center.... Read the full article