WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Calder Cup Playoffs Edition
Craig Anderson is the NHL’s oldest goalie. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Craig Anderson felt comfortable with either scenario that could’ve unfolded as the trade deadline approached.
If the Sabres dealt him to a contender – Florida, where he has a home, appeared to be the likeliest destination – he would’ve embraced a background role. Having spent much of last season on the Washington Capitals’ taxi squad, he knows how to handle the difficult job as the second or third netminder.
Staying put ... Read the full article
Casey Fitzgerald has missed the last four games. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Casey Fitzgerald practiced Tuesday, his first session since suffering an upper-body injury March 10.
Fitzgerald, however, won’t play in Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center.
Right now, the Sabres have a surfeit of defensemen, so coach Don Granato won’t rush Fitzgerald, 25, back into the lineup. Fitzgerald, who has missed the last four games, practiced Tuesday beside Will Butcher.... Read the full article
Kevyn Adams wanted to keep his influential veterans in Buffalo. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – In winning four of their last five games, including two straight road contests in overtime, the Sabres have taken significant steps over the past two weeks.
For one of the few times in the past decade, the Sabres are clearly improving as the season progresses. So as the trade deadline approached, general manager Kevyn Adams had to decide if dealing some influential veterans on expiring contracts was worth the return.
For example, goalie ... Read the full article
Colin Miller is in his third season in Buffalo. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Expect a quiet deadline day for the Sabres. General manager Kevyn Adams made one trade Sunday, sending defenseman Robert Hagg to the Florida Panthers. Perhaps a few more veterans on expiring contracts will be dealt before 3 p.m.
This deadline lacks the intrigue of a year ago, when Adams was trying to trade winger Taylor Hall, a free agent bust, or in 2020, when ex-GM Jason Botterill loaded up for a playoff ... Read the full article
Craig Anderson is in his first season in Buffalo. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – When the Sabres signed a slew of cheap free agents to one-year contracts last summer, it appeared their tenures here would be short.
After a season or less, they might become expendable. Some of organization’s prospects would mature and the rebuilding Sabres might also acquire better talent.
Well, so far, some prospects – defenseman Casey Fitzgerald and Mattias Samuelsson, for example – have graduated from the minors and earned regular duty. Others like ... Read the full article
Peyton Krebs (left), Craig Anderson (center) and Vinnie Hinostroza celebrate Sunday afternoon’s win at the Heritage Classic. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
HAMILTON, Ont. – Rookie Peyton Krebs was beginning to explain how the maturing Buffalo Sabres have started closing out tight games when goalie Craig Anderson interrupted his friend.
“Great goaltending,” Anderson chimed in under his breath following Sunday afternoon’s 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, offering his take as he “coughed.”
Anderson’s antics elicited laughs from Krebs and the media while further illustrating how close the Sabres have grown this season.... Read the full article
Tage Thompson greets Vinnie Hinostroza after Hinostroza’s second-period goal Sunday afternoon. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
HAMILTON, Ont. – If the Buffalo Sabres crack the postseason in the near future, the last four days, punctuated by Sunday afternoon’s 5-2 victory in the Heritage Classic, will be remembered as a significant stretch in their maturation.
Before a capacity, pro-Toronto crowd of 26,119 fans outdoors at chilly Tim Hortons Field, the Sabres scored three third-period goals to down the playoff-bound Maple Leafs.
It was a game, just like Thursday’s 3-1 win over ex-captain ... Read the full article
Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin and Toronto’s Auston Matthews battle late Sunday afternoon. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
HAMILTON, Ont. – After absorbing a vicious cross-check in the neck from Auston Matthews, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin did not need much time to cool off.
“About two minutes in the box,” Dahlin said following Sunday afternoon’s win 5-2 over Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs in the Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field.
After the Leafs fell behind, they lost their cool in the waning minutes, and Matthews and Dahlin shoved each other near the ... Read the full article
Casey Mittelstadt played in an outdoor game for Team USA as a junior star. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
HAMILTON, Ont. – In the midst of another grueling season, the Heritage Classic offers the Buffalo Sabres a refreshing change.
The day-to-day NHL grind has suddenly been interrupted by a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some players. When you play outdoors like the Sabres will this afternoon, you never forget it.
For a weekend, the Sabres can enjoy time in the spotlight and make memories they’ll cherish forever. Their families have joined them, and after Saturday’s chilly ... Read the full article
Craig Anderson played in two outdoor games before he came to Buffalo. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
HAMILTON, Ont. – Having already played in two outdoor games, Buffalo Sabres goalie Craig Anderson understands the unique energy fans often bring to the huge venues.
“I think everyone was 25 beers deep,” Anderson joked following Saturday’s practice at Tim Hortons Field.
As expected, Sabres coach Don Granato said Anderson, 40, will start this afternoon’s Heritage Classic against the Toronto Maple Leafs.... Read the full article
