Bedard - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres ride hot start, Alex Tuch’s hat trick to win over Blackhawks

BUFFALO – Alex Tuch’s estimate was just a bit off. Following his slick three-goal performance in Friday’s 6-2 annihilation of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Sabres winger said scoring his first goal at home in “several months” took a monkey off his back.

In reality, Tuch had last scored Nov. 29 in KeyBank Center. Given the Sabres’ recent 13-game winless skid and his own struggles, that probably feels like months ago.

“Doing it in front of ... Read the full article

Nifty goal illustrates Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich becoming two-way player

BUFFALO – The genesis of Sabres center Jiri Kulich’s second goal in Monday’s 7-1 win illustrates how much the rookie has matured over the past three months.

The Czech, 20, put the finishing touches on the Sabres’ first victory in one month by utilizing his lethal shot to beat New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin from the left circle.

But 10 seconds earlier in his own zone, Kulich knocked the puck away from Mat Barzal ... Read the full article

Sabres need Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to recapture dynamic form of last season

BUFFALO – The goal outburst that helped the Sabres end their 13-game winless skid overshadowed goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s stellar performance heading into the Christmas break.

Luukkonen, 25, quietly enjoyed one of his strongest outings this season in Monday’s 7-1 road win against the New York Islanders, stopping 27 shots and allowing one goal or less for just the fifth time in 24 games.

If the Sabres make an unlikely climb up the standings – they ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff impressed by Zach Benson’s ability: ‘He does a lot’

BUFFALO – Having coached against Zach Benson last year and examined game tape throughout the offseason, Lindy Ruff knew the tenacious Sabres winger possessed maturity that belied his limited NHL experience.

Still, as Ruff watched Benson, 19, up close during training camp, he quickly developed a greater appreciation for the youngster. Until he coached him, he did not fully understand what makes him such a unique talent.

“I watched a lot of games, I liked ... Read the full article

For NHL Draft prospect Matthew Wood, Sabres’ Tage Thompson a role model

BUFFALO – At first, Jamie Wood didn’t want his son, Matthew, to play college hockey at such a young age. Having played and coached in the NCAA, he understood the physicality and speed could overwhelm a 17-year-old fresh out of junior.

Besides a chance to attend UConn, Matthew Wood had other intriguing options to consider for the 2022-23 season.

The 6-foot-4, 193-pound forward could return to the Vernon Vipers and defend his British Columbia Hockey ... Read the full article