WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
July Edition
Eric Comrie has played just 28 NHL games. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Following an eight-day rest, goalie Eric Comrie will likely make his Sabres debut this afternoon, the first of perhaps 50 starts he could earn this season.
The Sabres awarded Craig Anderson, 41, Thursday’s season opener, and the veteran enjoyed a terrific night, stopping 35 shots in a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.
This season, however, the Sabres expect Comrie, 27, to emerge as their No. 1 goalie. Having established himself as ... Read the full article
Craig Anderson is beginning his 20th NHL season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – In Craig Anderson, Sabres coach Don Granato sees a passionate veteran goalie who understands the end is nearing.
“Craig is a guy that’s very connected to his love of the game, and he sees, hey, my career’s coming to an end, I’m clear and definitively going to miss this, so I’m going to love what I’m going to miss,” Granato said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators ... Read the full article
Lawrence Pilut is one of several defensemen Buffalo signed during the summer. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – The Sabres have likely known for months which seven defensemen will comprise their opening night roster.
Jacob Bryson, Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Jokiharju, Casey Fitzgerald, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson entrenched themselves on the blue line last season. In signing Ilya Lyubushkin in free agency, the Sabres added a gritty veteran presence they lacked.
But what about the rest of the defense corps? Given the rugged nature of the position, defensemen are always at ... Read the full article
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has looked sharp this preseason. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s terrific 32-save outing in Saturday afternoon’s 3-1 preseason win likely won’t sway the Sabres. They decided months ago that the Finn, a prospect labeled as their goalie of the future, should start the season in the minors.
So as they trim their training camp roster in the coming days, they’ll almost certainly assign the him to Rochester, where he will carry the load for the Americans.
Buffalo’s net, at least early ... Read the full article
Craig Anderson began his NHL career in 2002-03. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Craig Anderson left town five months ago knowing he could return to the Sabres and play his 20th NHL season if he desired.
In his first year here, besides often giving the Sabres terrific goaltending, the veteran’s professionalism and work ethic set a high standard for the rebuilding team. He quickly became a leader and a mentor during what he has called an “amazing” year.
Even though he was about to turn 41, ... Read the full article
Eric Comrie signed with Buffalo during the summer. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – After watching the first two preseason games, Sabres goalie Eric Comrie will likely be making his debut in tonight’s road contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Sabres, of course, expect Comrie, 27, to play a significant number of games this season or earn the starting job. He signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract during the offseason.
The rest of tonight’s game roster features mostly prospects and players ticketed for the Rochester Americans.... Read the full article
Jack Quinn could have a spot in Buffalo this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – What makes this training camp so unique for the Sabres, besides the fact they’re, you know, relevant again, is the lack of roster competition.
Right now, with the Sabres set to hold their first on-ice sessions today at KeyBank Center, their lineup looks set.
Sure, some guys will be moved around. There will inevitably be injuries. And they could feel compelled to keep one of their talented youngsters if he wows them.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played nine games with Buffalo last season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday re-signed goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, their final restricted free agent, to a two-year, $1.675 million contract.
General manager Kevyn Adams has said Luukkonen, a prospect labeled as the Sabres’ goalie of the future, is likely ticketed for the Rochester Americans again this year. The Sabres plan to utilize veteran Craig Anderson and newcomer Eric Comrie as their netminding tandem.
Luukkonen, 23, has battled injuries over his three-year pro career, and ... Read the full article
Kyle Okposo scored 21 goals last season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Having lived here year-round since 2019, veteran Sabres winger Kyle Okposo possesses a unique understanding of the community’s devotion to its sports teams.
“I understand the dynamics of how the town operates and how much sports means to everybody in this town,” Okposo said Saturday during “Sabres Night” at Sahlen Field, where he and teammates Owen Power, Jeff Skinner and Malcolm Subban signed autographs for an hour prior to the Bisons game. ... Read the full article
Eric Comrie played his only game for New Jersey in Buffalo. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
For the first time in five years, goalie Eric Comrie stayed put last season, playing for one team, the Winnipeg Jets, in one league, the NHL.
There was no shuttling between the big leagues and minors. There was no waiver claim and a sudden change of address.
Comrie, who signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres last Wednesday, remained in Winnipeg, quietly establishing himself as a one of the league’s steadiest backups ... Read the full article
