Bales - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon forming dynamic tandem

BUFFALO – After sitting out last game, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start tonight against the Boston Bruins, his eighth nod in the last 16 contests.

Meanwhile, crease mate Alex Lyon, whose franchise-record 10-game road win streak ended Sunday, will likely get a full night off – that means not even dressing – like Luukkonen did for Sunday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Right now, as Luukkonen and Lyon alternate starts, ... Read the full article

After trade, career-worst season, goalie Alexandar Georgiev excited for fresh chance with Sabres

BUFFALO – Following a perfect 40-minute outing in the preseason opener, Sabres goalie Alexandar Georgiev will likely start again tonight in Detroit or Saturday afternoon at home against the Red Wings.

One week into training camp, No. 1 goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen hasn’t practiced. In the coming days, if he doesn’t return from his lower-body injury he recently tweaked, his status for the season opener Oct. 9 could be in question.

Each day the Finn misses ... Read the full article

While changes are possible, it appears Sabres will keep assistant coaches

ORCHARD PARK – Kevyn Adams said he has given Lindy Ruff the green light to change his staff. The general manager even noted the coach has spoken to people about joining the Buffalo Sabres.

But right now, it appears Ruff, 65, will bring back the assistant coaches he worked with last season, when the Sabres mustered 79 points and finished 14th in the Eastern Conference.

Most teams, of course, likely wouldn’t run back the same ... Read the full article

Sabres promote Rochester coach Seth Appert to assistant in Buffalo

In 2020, the Buffalo Sabres made an interesting move, hiring Seth Appert, who had spent his entire career in college and junior, to coach the Rochester Americans, their AHL affiliate.

Appert, who was coaching at the US National Team Development Program, said then he understood any skepticism that accompanied his jump to pro hockey because he had never done it before.

Today, after four seasons leading the Amerks, Appert, 49, is in the NHL.

On ... Read the full article

What will Sabres’ Lindy Ruff do with his assistant coaches?

BUFFALO – During Lindy Ruff’s re-introduction as Sabres coach, the assistant coaches he inherited from his predecessor, Don Granato, sat in the front row watching their new boss speak.

Ruff said he spent “what seemed like a couple hours” talking with the coaches Tuesday morning prior to his news conference.

Right now, Ruff has one open spot on his staff. The Sabres also fired assistant coach Jason Christie when they dismissed Granato.... Read the full article

After firing coach Don Granato, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams begins search for experienced replacement

BUFFALO – In firing coach Don Granato following a disappointing season in which the Sabres missed the playoffs for an NHL-record 13th consecutive year, general manager Kevyn Adams has shifted the onus to himself.

Adams has always accepted blame for the Sabres’ troubles, and in discussing Tuesday’s dismissal of Granato and the state of his team for 45 minutes in KeyBank Center, he again shouldered his share of the responsibility for an 84-point campaign.

But ... Read the full article

Sabres believe goalie Devon Levi will embrace assignment to Rochester, develop with Amerks

BUFFALO – As the Sabres’ decision-makers examined the upcoming schedule, they saw saw limited opportunities here for rookie goalie Devon Levi.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has emerged as the Sabres’ best goalie, and they want to award him more starts. If they kept three netminders, Levi would’ve played perhaps once a week. Following tonight’s road game against the St. Louis Blues, the Sabres play 15 times in December, meaning practice time will be limited.

So on Tuesday, ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stymies Avs, records first NHL shutout

BUFFALO – Fair or not, the knock on Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is his inability to make big saves at critical times.

In his 50-game career, the Finn hasn’t delivered many of those momentum-changing stops that might preserve a lead or keep a contest tied or within striking distance.

That’s why Luukkonen’s superb save on star Mikko Rantanen with the game tied at 0 early in Sunday afternoon’s 4-0 win holds so much significance.

The ... Read the full article

As goalie Devon Levi thrives as Sabres’ starter, Eric Comrie, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen wait for chance

BUFFALO – Having started all three games, Sabres goalie Devon Levi earned a well-deserved break Wednesday, giving Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen an opportunity to practice in their own net.

Levi usually patrols his own crease, so for the first time this season, they each faced their own shots and found a rhythm they wouldn’t have during a three-goalie session.

Carrying three netminders creates problems, including limited practice reps. Each day, Comrie, 28, and Luukkonen, ... Read the full article

Devon Levi thrilled to join Sabres, play games: ‘I’m so happy to be here’

BUFFALO – Last week, shortly after Northeastern’s season ended, goalie Devon Levi and his parents and agents went on a Zoom call to talk to Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams, coach Don Granato and other members of the organization.

Levi, 21, developed a strong feel for the Sabres when he visited for development camp last summer. He liked what he experienced so much he said he did not want to leave town. He made new ... Read the full article