Comrie - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After losing Mattias Samuelsson, Henri Jokiharju, Sabres could add another D

BUFFALO – Just two weeks into the season, having lost Mattias Samuelsson, Henri Jokiharju and two more defensemen in the minors to injuries, the Sabres are considering adding depth to their blue line, Kevyn Adams said.

The general manager said this morning Samuelsson, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, will be sidelined “a few weeks.”

“But much better than maybe originally we thought,” he said. “So a few ... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen evolving with Amerks, handling load Sabres expect

ROCHESTER – While the Buffalo Sabres list Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as the same size as last year, his 6-foot-5, 217-pound frame is noticeably leaner. On the ice, the goalie is more agile and composed, showcasing a mature style as the Americans’ workhorse.

The genesis of Luukkonen’s transformation can be traced to his productive summer. In years past, injuries often hampered his offseason training. In 2021, for example, he suffered a season-ending left ankle sprain. In 2019, ... Read the full article

‘Russian bear’ Ilya Lyubushkin gives Sabres’ defense much-needed grit

BUFFALO – There are two distinct sides of Sabres newcomer Ilya Lyubushkin.

There’s the gritty, high-octane defenseman who’s detested by opponents. When Lyubushkin’s on the ice, you better have your head on a swivel.

“He’s a Russian bear,” captain Kyle Okposo said Monday in KeyBank Center after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s road game against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. “We enjoy having him on our side, for sure. He plays a hard ... Read the full article

Sabres, Panthers plant seeds of fierce rivalry in heated early-season game

BUFFALO – If you’re wondering, following Saturday afternoon’s entertaining 4-3 loss to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers, the Sabres don’t play their budding Atlantic Division rival again until Jan. 16.

That three-month wait is too long for coach Don Granato, who loves the grit and tenacity the Sabres displayed while refusing to back down to the Panthers, one of the NHL’s heavyweights.

Saturday’s heated affair at KeyBank Center looked more like a late-season contest ... Read the full article

For Sabres goalie Eric Comrie, a chance to start materializes in Buffalo

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

At 41, Sabres’ Craig Anderson receives coveted opening night assignment

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, Chase Priskie and other D help Sabres upgrade depth

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 happy with Sabres’ plan: ‘It’s about the starts’

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

At 41, Sabres goalie Craig Anderson still motivated to prove doubters wrong

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

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie set to make debut with slew of prospects

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