Comrie - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie to start first game; Devon Levi, Zach Benson out

BUFFALO – Even if Sabres rookie Devon Levi felt 100 percent, goalie Eric Comrie likely would’ve earned tonight’s start against the New York Islanders.

Levi, 21, played the first four games, a heavy workload for a youngster. He struggled a bit in Thursday’s 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames, allowing a weak go-ahead goal as the Sabres fell to 1-3-0.

Sooner or later, Comrie or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who have been alternating as the backup, needed ... Read the full article

Sabres rookies Zach Benson, Devon Levi miss practice with injuries

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Zach Benson and goalie Devon Levi both missed Friday’s practice because of lower-body injuries and are considered day to day, according to the team.

Both rookies finished Thursday’s 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres bring back former goalie Craig Anderson as ‘hockey liaison’

BUFFALO – In the first season following his retirement, former Sabres goalie Craig Anderson has occasionally dropped in and visited his old teammates.

It turns out he wasn’t just saying hello.

The Sabres on Thursday announced they’ve hired Anderson, 42, for a part-time position as a “hockey liaison.”

In his role, he will “continue to serve as a trusted voice in the Sabres’ locker room, providing insight, guidance, and support to the players and coaching ... Read the full article

As goalie Devon Levi thrives as Sabres’ starter, Eric Comrie, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen wait for chance

BUFFALO – Having started all three games, Sabres goalie Devon Levi earned a well-deserved break Wednesday, giving Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen an opportunity to practice in their own net.

Levi usually patrols his own crease, so for the first time this season, they each faced their own shots and found a rhythm they wouldn’t have during a three-goalie session.

Carrying three netminders creates problems, including limited practice reps. Each day, Comrie, 28, and Luukkonen, ... Read the full article

In rookie Devon Levi, Sabres hope they have coveted franchise goalie

BUFFALO – Seven late-season games, that’s it. Just two weeks of NHL action following his arrival from college. That small sample size helped convince the Sabres rookie Devon Levi could be their No. 1 goalie.

While they haven’t officially named Levi, 21, their starter, he’s expected to earn the nod for tonight’s season opener against the New York Rangers, a team he beat twice last season, and carry the load throughout the season.

On Wednesday, ... Read the full article

After starring role as top center, Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt back in middle

BUFFALO – Through all the adversity he endured early in his career – a demotion, position switch, injuries and more – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt stayed ready, so when a special opportunity materialized late last season, he seized it.

“That’s easily said, but not often done,” Sabres coach Don Granato said earlier this week in KeyBank Center. “… To stay prepared for your opportunity in life – in this case, hockey – is a trait ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie off to strong start, wants to stay with ‘special team’

BUFFALO – Eric Comrie had always battled for an opportunity, yo-yoing between the NHL and minors. So when the Sabres signed the goalie to his first big contract last year, guaranteeing him a spot, the expectations felt unusual.

Comrie, 28, said he put so much pressure on himself “it’s kind of like I hammered myself down.”

“I came here and I had a job, I’m like, ‘Holy smokes, I’m in a whole different spot,’” Comrie ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Zach Benson could earn more preseason action; Matt Savoie close to returning

BUFFALO – In the beginning of training camp, coach Don Granato said the Sabres penciled prospect Zach Benson in for three preseason games, a number he will hit tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

But Benson, the 13th overall pick this year, has looked so impressive in his early action he might earn more games. The Sabres have three more after tonight’s in Pittsburgh.

“Now, based on how he’s playing, there’s intrigue that he may get ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen confident after long stint in Buffalo

ST. THOMAS, Ont. – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen never expected he would spend five months in Buffalo, win 17 games or briefly emerge as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie.

After all, Luukkonen, 24, began last season in the AHL before Eric Comrie’s injury forced the Sabres to recall him in mid-November. He quickly emerged as their top option, playing 33 games.

From Dec. 4 until Jan. 24, he won 12 of his 15 starts, including eight of ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Devon Levi looks sharp in preseason debut

BUFFALO – While the Sabres have three goalies battling for two spots, Devon Levi, having started seven critical late-season games last year, likely secured his place and the No. 1 job months ago.

In his first preseason start Tuesday, Levi, 21, only strengthened the belief he will be the opening night starter, stopping all 19 shots he faced in 40 minutes of action.

Goalie Devin Cooley, a free agent ticketed for the AHL, relieved Levi ... Read the full article