Asplund - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After struggles, Sabres’ Victor Olofsson scoring goals, becoming star

BUFFALO – At times this season, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson has battled adversity and the perception he’s too one-dimensional.

For stretches, he has struggled at even strength and lost ice time, doing little to dispel the belief he’s simply a power-play guy who possesses a lethal shot.

Still, 45 games into the campaign, Olofsson has already registered a career-high 21 goals.... Read the full article

Sabres want to feed off energy from crowd on ‘Ryan Miller Night’

BUFFALO – Over the past year, the Sabres have thrived off the energy the raucous home crowd creates for special occasions. Think of Jack Eichel’s return and “RJ Night.”

Expect them to get a boost tonight against the New York Islanders after the Sabres retire legendary goalie Ryan Miller’s No. 30 and induct him into their Hall of Fame.

The ceremony, of course, promises to be very emotional.... Read the full article

When will Sabres rookies Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka play again?

BUFFALO – For a day or two, rookie Jack Quinn is technically a member of the Rochester Americans again. In a paper move on Thursday morning, the Sabres loaned the winger to their AHL affiliate to create room to recall goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Quinn, 21, isn’t going anywhere. The Sabres needed a roster spot and he can be assigned to the minors without waivers.

General manager Kevyn Adams said on Monday the Sabres would ... Read the full article

Sabres loan Jack Quinn to Rochester to create spot for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

BUFFALO – For a day or two, Sabres rookie Jack Quinn is technically a member of the Rochester Americans again. In a paper move on Thursday morning, they loaned the winger to their AHL affiliate to create room to recall goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Quinn, 21, isn’t going anywhere. The Sabres needed a roster spot and he can be assigned to the minors without waivers.

General manager Kevyn Adams said on Monday the Sabres would have ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka sit as healthy scratches; UPL misses start

BUFFALO – In the nine games prior to Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken, Sabres winger Jack Quinn registered zero points. JJ Peterka, his linemate, wasn’t much better during that stretch, mustering just two assists.

On Tuesday, the Sabres scratched the struggling rookies. Rasmus Asplund and Vinnie Hinostroza, both of whom had sat out nine straight games, replaced the youngsters on a line with center Dylan Cozens.

Peterka had played every ... Read the full article

After blizzard ravages Buffalo, Sabres return to work with heavy hearts

BUFFALO – Kevyn Adams’ mother-in-law lives about a half mile from him in Clarence, so on Christmas Eve, as a devastating blizzard ravaged the region, he decided to brave the elements and check on her.

“Wrapped up and got out there,” the general manager said prior to Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, the Sabres’ first game since Dec.

The short walk ended up taking Adams two hours there and ... Read the full article

Craig Anderson posts shutout, Sabres score six late goals in win over Kings

BUFFALO – At 41, Sabres goalie Craig Anderson hasn’t shown many signs of graying. In fact, the NHL’s oldest player can even make hockey’s toughest position look easy.

Take, for example, the 20-year veteran’s splendid 40-save performance in Tuesday’s 6-0 shellacking of the Los Angeles Kings, the 43rd shutout of his decorated career.

Anderson was the Sabres’ backbone as they struggled to generate offense early, making 16-first period stops and 30 saves through 40 minutes ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Rasmus Asplund ‘resets’ after scratches; Ilya Lyubushkin skates

BUFFALO – Late last month, Rasmus Asplund began what he called a “reset.” The Sabres winger felt the details slipping in his game, and he struggled so badly he sat out five straight games as a healthy scratch.

“I just needed to reset everything, start on a new page and get back to my game,” Asplund said prior to Tuesday’s 6-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings at KeyBank Center.

That game, the Swede said, ... Read the full article

Sabres fall behind early but roar back in loss to Penguins: ‘A ton of chances’

PITTSBURGH – With the Buffalo Sabres trailing by one goal in the waning minutes of Saturday’s 3-1 loss, winger JJ Peterka set up a splendid scoring chance for linemate Jack Quinn at the top of the right circle.

But instead of unleashing a shot on goalie Casey DeSmith, the rookie quickly passed to center Dylan Cozens, who couldn’t handle the puck in the left circle.

“Everybody watching wishes Jack Quinn would have taken that shot ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Henri Jokiharju sidelined by lower-body injury; D recalled

PITTSBURGH – Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju suffered a lower-body injury in Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins and will be sidelined week to week.

Jokiharju, 23, was injured early but finished the game, playing 23 minutes, 59 seconds. The Finn possibly hurt himself blocking Evgeni Malkin’s shot late in the first period.

With Jokiharju sidelined, defenseman Lawrence Pilut will likely move into the lineup tonight against the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Granato ... Read the full article