Carolina Hurricanes - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Connor Clifton, Sabres score dirty goals in road wins

BUFFALO – Prior to both games during the Sabres’ fathers and mentors trip, Connor Clifton’s dad, Tim, addressed the team and colorfully called for some dirty goals.

In defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens, the Sabres wreaked havoc on goalies, scoring three times with bodies around the net creating traffic.

Fittingly, Connor Clifton scored Friday’s winner 3:05 into the third period, his first goal in his 55th outing with the Sabres.... Read the full article

With Devon Levi healthy, Sabres will likely rotate goalies

BUFFALO – When the season began, the Sabres wanted goalie Devon Levi to experience the harshness of a long NHL schedule, so the rookie started four straight games.

“I wanted him to feel some grind and quick preparation and quick turnaround and battle,” Sabres coach Don Granato said following Monday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “So I think he gained a lot of experience from that that’s going to help him the rest of his career, ... Read the full article

After strong stint with Rochester, Matt Savoie rejoins Sabres, could play soon; Dylan Cozens close to returning

BUFFALO – Having just returned from a conditioning loan, Sabres prospect Matt Savoie won’t make his NHL debut tonight in Carolina. Coach Don Granato wants to put him into positions he will succeed, so he doesn’t feel comfortable playing him against the Hurricanes after one practice.

In the near future, however, the Sabres will likely give Savoie, 19, a chance to showcase his talents. The slick forward stood out in the AHL, scoring two goals ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin plays brilliantly in win; Devon Levi might be starter

BUFFALO – Go ahead, try to pick Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin’s most impactful play in Saturday afternoon’s thrilling 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Was it his game-tying power-play score in the second period, his first goal in nearly 11 weeks? His dazzling backhand pass that created center Casey’s Mittelstadt’s tying goal later in the period? Before he dished the puck, he generated highlight footage by zooming down the slot and slickly undressing two ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt showing star qualities, piling up points

BUFFALO – Following Thursday’s exciting 7-6 shootout win in Detroit, Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt showered and immediately phoned his younger brothers.

Mittelstadt, 24, had just registered two assists against the Red Wings, his third multi-point outing in the last four contests, as the Sabres won for the fifth time in seven tries.

That game, however, wasn’t on his mind. He wanted to celebrate his brother Luke’s memorable two-goal performance in the Frozen Four semifinal win ... Read the full article

Sabres lose game to Hurricanes, Tage Thompson to injury

BUFFALO – Forget about Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, a game that could’ve moved the Sabres into a playoff spot. Right now, having lost No. 1 center and leading scorer Tage Thompson to an upper-body injury, they have bigger concerns.

Thompson, who’s supposed to represent the Sabres in Saturday’s NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise, Florida, left Wednesday’s contest after the second period and did not return.

The TNT broadcast showed Thompson wincing in ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn’s goal shows growth; Jeff Skinner hits milestone

BUFFALO – A few months ago, Sabres rookie Jack Quinn wouldn’t have possessed the confidence to score a highlight-reel goal like he did Saturday.

“Probably not, no,” Quinn said prior to Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center.

Quinn, 21, didn’t merely roar down the slot and beat goalie Marc-Andre Fleury early in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild. He held onto the puck about 10 seconds, moving from the ... Read the full article

After lean years, Zemgus Girgensons enjoying Sabres’ playoff push

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Kyle Okposo said one of his teammates recently mentioned to him how interesting it would be to watch tenacious winger Zemgus Girgensons compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“Like, ‘Imagine 28 in the playoffs and just how he would just run through a wall for anybody,’” Okposo said following Tuesday’s practice at KeyBank Center.

Girgensons’ aggressive, straight-ahead style is tailor-made for the rigors of gritty postseason hockey.... Read the full article

After injury, slow start, Sabres captain Kyle Okposo producing offense again

BUFFALO – As Sabres captain Kyle Okposo struggled through the first week of the season, he tried to keep a strong perspective and any negative thoughts to a minimum.

Okposo, 34, wanted to give his mind a break during a hectic time. An upper-body injury had sidelined him during the final days of training camp, costing him valuable preparation time as he began his 16th NHL campaign. He had also just been named the 20th ... Read the full article

Dylan Cozens ‘progressing every day,’ becoming trusted talent for Sabres

BUFFALO – Dylan Cozens wants to taste success right now. Sure, the second-year Sabres center respects the development process. He understands he’s a neophyte.

But Cozens, 21, also acknowledges he’s “a competitive guy.” Sometimes his patience can be tested.

“I know how good I can be, and I want to be that good now,” Cozens said following Wednesday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “But Donny (Granato) told me, I’m young, playing against lots of guys ... Read the full article