Ellis - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres buying into Jarmo Kekalainen’s message; Buffalo changes lineup for regular-season finale

BUFFALO – In his introductory remarks as Sabres general manager in mid-December, Jarmo Kekalainen stressed how much he values character.

Before he fielded a question, he said he wanted a talented team to develop a competitive and relentless identity.

Today, the Sabres rank among the NHL’s elite, having enjoyed a torrid four-month run and clinched the Atlantic Division. They’ve showcased remarkable consistency, adding tenacity to complement their skill.... Read the full article

Sabres to rest top players against Stars as focus shifts to Bruins; Noah Ostlund ‘really close’ to returning from injury

BUFFALO – Having clinched the Atlantic Division, the Sabres will rest several of their regulars for tonight’s regular-season finale against the Dallas Stars.

Based on the morning skate, captain Rasmus Dahlin, leading scorer Tage Thompson, defenseman Mattias Samuelsson and forwards Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker could all be scratched.

Goalie Colten Ellis is expected to start and be backed up by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

The Sabres could also recall some players.... Read the full article

While clinching the Atlantic Division is nice, the Sabres have a much bigger goal in mind

BUFFALO – No one saw this coming. Sure, securing that elusive spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and ending their NHL-record 14-year drought certainly felt like a possibility for the Sabres this season, at least before they fell into last place.

But a division championship?

Heck, after Monday’s 5-1 road win over the Chicago Blackhawks clinched the Atlantic, even coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged he’s surprised how far the Sabres, who ranked last in the Eastern ... Read the full article

Colten Ellis dynamic as Sabres shut out Blue Jackets, stay in first place

BUFFALO – When the Sabres claimed rookie goalie Colten Ellis off waivers six months ago, it felt like his first trip to the NHL might be fleeting.

After all, they grabbed Ellis to provide insurance after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen suffered another injury late in the preseason. Carrying three goalies, of course, is a luxury, and that roster spot can often be better utilized on a forward or defenseman.

But Ellis, who dazzled Thursday in his first ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Goalie Alex Lyon could be sidelined into playoffs; Josh Doan makes ‘selfless’ play

BUFFALO – Injured Sabres goalie Alex Lyon could be sidelined for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, coach Lindy Ruff said prior to Thursday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Right now, (he’ll be out) a week, and we’ll go from there,” Ruff said of the strained muscle Lyon recently suffered during practice.

The postseason begins April 18 and 19. A schedule won’t be released until next week.... Read the full article

As Sabres struggle before playoffs, visit from Lightning could help ignite them

BUFFALO – A visit from the heavyweight Tampa Bay Lightning tonight might be enough to shake the Sabres out of their recent funk.

In losing consecutive games in regulation for the first time since early December, the Sabres often looked uninterested, failing to match the desperation and tenacity of opponents fighting to get into the postseason.

The Sabres, of course, have been firmly entrenched in a playoff spot for months. They officially clinched their first ... Read the full article

The Sabres have had a loaded roster since the trade deadline. How can Lindy Ruff utilize that depth?

BUFFALO – In the coaches’ room each day, the Sabres’ depth dominates the discussion.

“It’s the main topic,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said earlier this week.

Inside those walls, Ruff and his staff deliberate how to best utilize that depth and keep everyone involved.

The Sabres, having compiled a 33-6-4 record in their last 43 games entering tonight’s contest against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, have a pretty darn good thing going.... Read the full article

Sabres goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon forming dynamic tandem

BUFFALO – After sitting out last game, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start tonight against the Boston Bruins, his eighth nod in the last 16 contests.

Meanwhile, crease mate Alex Lyon, whose franchise-record 10-game road win streak ended Sunday, will likely get a full night off – that means not even dressing – like Luukkonen did for Sunday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Right now, as Luukkonen and Lyon alternate starts, ... Read the full article

After trades, recalls, newcomers Sam Carrick, Noah Ostlund and others play huge roles in Sabres’ success

BUFFALO – As Sabres center Sam Carrick warmed up prior to Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a placard along the glass featuring a drawing of his head grabbed his attention.

Other than the length of his hair – “I’ve had a snip since then,” the newcomer said – the portrait accurately depicted Carrick.

“Yeah, it was pretty impressive,” he told the Times Herald following Monday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article

Sabres bounce back after rare loss, beat Maple Leafs in shootout

BUFFALO – You must go back more than three months – 97 days and 38 games, to be exact – to find the last time the Sabres lost two consecutive contests in regulation.

A heck of lot has gone into their stunning 30-6-2 run that has vaulted them into first place in the Atlantic Division. They’ve excelled in essentially every facet of the game.

Their ability to quickly bounce back and handle the mental gymnastics ... Read the full article