Bryson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Mattias Samuelsson looks impressive in season debut for Buffalo

It was one of those so-called little plays that was really huge. In the second period of Monday afternoon’s 3-2 overtime loss, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson tied up Lucas Raymond near the net.

While the Detroit Red Wings forward managed to shoot the puck, Samuelsson stymied him enough to nullify what would’ve been a terrific scoring chance.

“I feel like that’s always been my style,” said Samuelsson, who was recalled Monday morning. “I’m not ... Read the full article

Defense injuries force Sabres to make moves, recall Mattias Samuelsson

The Buffalo Sabres this morning recalled Mattias Samuelsson from the Rochester Americans and the defenseman will play this afternoon against the Detroit Red Wings.

Sabres coach Don Granato said defenseman Colin Miller has been dealing with a nagging injury and placed on injured reserve.

Samuelsson, 21, played his first 12 NHL games late last season. He was expected to contend for a roster spot during training camp this year, but he suffered a lower-body ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Peyton Krebs thrilled be back: ‘Just getting my stride up here’

BUFFALO – In his last outing Jan. 1, Sabres center Peyton Krebs showcased some of his best talents, creating a goal by adroitly feeding winger Alex Tuch a no-look backhand pass.

Three games into his recall, Krebs, 20, seemed to be finding a groove. Then on Jan. 4, he tested positive for COVID-19.

“I’m just getting my stride up here and starting to feel good, I want to keep things rolling and show them what ... Read the full article

Sabres lose Jacob Bryson to injury as Peyton Krebs returns to lineup

BUFFALO – Throughout what he called “a long 10 days” in COVID-19 quarantine, Peyton Krebs said he felt great. Still, the Sabres center couldn’t test out of the NHL’s protocol.

“It was frustrating, but I’m here now so it’s good to be back,” Krebs said following this morning’s practice, his first since entering protocol Jan. 4.

Krebs, who started skating again Friday, will return for Monday afternoon’s game against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch thrilled to rejoin Sabres after COVID-19 quarantine

BUFFALO – While he quarantined in his apartment, Sabres winger Alex Tuch received a few items from the rink, including some workout bands, so he could exercise a bit.

But Tuch, who said he felt symptom-free after testing positive for COVID-19 last Tuesday, did not do much formal exercising. Instead, he tried to eat healthy, sleep well and stay active around his place.

“If that meant cleaning the apartment two to three times a day, ... Read the full article

Talented Anders Bjork returns to Sabres looking for more consistency

BUFFALO – Over his first 44 games with the Sabres, winger Anders Bjork has struggled to maintain consistency, mostly showcasing flashes of his talent.

Bjork, 25, scored opening night before beginning a 10-game goalless stretch. After scoring in back-to-back contests, he endured a 12-game goal drought in which he was scratched twice.

Sabres coach Don Granato said Bjork must learn to regularly imprint his identity as a player – “His is speed and quickness,” he ... Read the full article

Sabres have healthy, intriguing defense corps with Jacob Bryson, Robert Hagg

BUFFALO – Of the seven defensemen the Sabres have kept all season, only two, Rasmus Dahlin and Mark Pysyk, have played more than 30 games.

Defensemen, of course, are often at a premium. The rugged nature of the position makes them susceptible to damage.

As injuries and COVID-19 cases recently mounted, Sabres coach Don Granato cobbled together a defense corps. He utilized two rookies, giving Casey Fitzgerald and Ethan Prow their first NHL action.

But ... Read the full article

Sabres relieved as no one enters NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

BUFFALO – Coach Don Granato breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday, as zero Sabres entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Henri Jokiharju, who was held out of Tuesday’s practice as the team awaited test results, skated in Wednesday’s session, giving the Sabres a full defense corps.

“It was a relief on many fronts, just even to run a better practice with six full D,” Granato said of no one entering protocol. “But … they go into ... Read the full article

Sabres add three more players to NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

BUFFALO – Coach Don Granato said dealing with COVID-19 and the chaos it creates has become “almost a new normal.” For two weeks, the virus has been ravaging the Sabres, forcing players and staff members into the NHL’s protocol and five games to be postponed.

On Tuesday, three more players – forward Anders Bjork, Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch – went into protocol. Granato said the Sabres also held defenseman Henri Jokiharju out of practice ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo leaves practice to enter NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

BUFFALO – Just when the Sabres appeared to be getting over their COVID-19 problems, two players today, winger Kyle Okposo and defenseman Casey Fitzgerald, entered the NHL’s protocol.

“There’s no question this has been ridiculously challenging,” said Sabres coach Don Granato, who received three players back from protocol for this morning’s practice.

Okposo, 33, started practicing before the Sabres yanked him off the KeyBank Center ice when they learned his test results.

“Everything’s a concern ... Read the full article