Columbus Blue Jackets - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Alex Tuch to fulfill dream by playing for Sabres: ‘Excited as anybody I’ve seen’

BUFFALO – What makes winger Alex Tuch’s passion for the Sabres so unique is that he possessed it long before the team acquired him Nov. 4.

Tuch, 25, grew up in Baldwinsville, about 150 miles from KeyBank Center, rooting for his beloved Sabres. He attended games, owned jerseys and reveled in their success.

So from the get-go, Tuch, who’s scheduled to make his Sabres debut tonight, fit right in. He feels the same excitement as ... Read the full article

Blue Jackets’ COVID-19 problems could put Monday’s Sabres game in jeopardy

BUFFALO – As the Sabres were wrapping up this morning’s practice, Monday’s opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets, announced three players had entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

The Blue Jackets canceled today’s practice and plan to fly to Buffalo on Monday after holding their morning skate at Nationwide Arena, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

But if more Blue Jackets players or staff enter protocol, the game at KeyBank Center could be postponed.

Blue Jackets captain ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tage Thompson scores twice in loss: ‘Starting to come together’

BUFFALO – At times over three tumultuous seasons, it felt like Tage Thompson would never reach this point, at least with the Sabres.

Right now, Thompson, 24, is their No. 1 center and leading goal scorer and point producer. After scoring twice in Monday’s 7-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has already recorded eight goals and 13 points in 18 games, equaling last season’s career-high goal total in 20 fewer outings.

The 6-foot-7 ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Don Granato wants to create stability by limiting lineup changes

BUFFALO – Through the first 18 games this season, Sabres coach Don Granato has exercised patience rarely seen in these parts over the last decade, often fielding the same lineup while keeping his forward lines and defense pairs intact.

Granato, whose Sabres were 2-7-1 in their last 10 games entering Monday’s 7-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center, said he understands the reflex is to “change everything” when a team battles adversity.... Read the full article

Former Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko signs with Blue Jackets

Former Buffalo Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko has landed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Following three seasons in the KHL starring for CSKA Moscow, Grigorenko today signed a one-year contract worth $1.2 million, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

The 25-year-old Russian last played in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche in 2016-17.... Read the full article

Victor Olofsson returns in grand fashion, leads Sabres to overtime win

BUFFALO – After missing six weeks of action, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson needed some time to adjust.

For the first two periods of Thursday’s 4-3 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Swedish rookie generated little offense.

“I got a little rust in my game there,” Olofsson said after scoring two goals, including the winner 2:44 into overtime.

By the end of Thursday’s thrilling come-from-behind victory, Olofsson kept showcasing the talents – his quick ... Read the full article

Former Sabres captain Jason Pominville not retired, would like to play again

BUFFALO – Popular former Sabres captain Jason Pominville recently told some friends he would love to help out their beer league team if they ever needed a player to fill in.

“They’re like, ‘You’re in full time!’” Pominville said prior to Thursday’s 4-3 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets inside KeyBank Center.

So Pominville, who scored 16 goals in 73 games for the Sabres last season, plays hockey once a week at the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Victor Olofsson, Kyle Okposo to return against Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – Sabres wingers Victor Olofsson and Kyle Okposo will return from their injuries tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets, coach Ralph Krueger said.

A lower-body injury has sidelined Olofsson, one of the NHL’s top rookies, the last 15 games. Meanwhile, an upper-body injury has shelved Okposo the past six games.

In other lineup news, an upper-body injury will sideline forward Marcus Johansson tonight. Krueger said Johansson is day-to-day.... Read the full article

Colin Miller finally adjusting to Sabres, earning more playing time

BUFFALO – For the first time in three months, Sabres defenseman Colin Miller has developed some rhythm, playing eight straight games.

In mid-November, the Sabres started scratching their biggest offseason acquisition, and he sat out 16 of the next 32 games, never playing more than four straight contests.

Following two terrific seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, Miller has adjusted to the Sabres’ system slowly.

But Miller, 27, has been performing better since the NHL ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel’s dynamic play clinches overtime win for Sabres

BUFFALO – For 60 minutes against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sabres captain Jack Eichel blended in, generating little offense against one of the NHL’s stingiest teams.

When overtime began Saturday afternoon, Eichel hadn’t registered a shot on goal, a rarity during a dynamic season in which he has morphed into a superstar.

“I thought a little bit there he was fighting it,” goalie Carter Hutton said after Eichel’s goal 36 seconds into overtime secured a ... Read the full article