Florida Panthers - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Thomas Vanek possessed special ability similar to Sabres star Tage Thompson’s

BUFFALO – Twice earlier this week, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff was asked if winger Tage Thompson’s dynamic ability to shoot the puck and finish reminded him of anyone.

The first time, Ruff acknowledged he couldn’t offer a good answer. But after reflecting and putting more thought into it, he had a name ready.

“I’d probably put Thomas Vanek in that category,” Ruff said prior to Tuesday’s 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kevyn Adams not interested in trading JJ Peterka; Buffalo makes recalls from Rochester

As Friday’s trade deadline approached, rumors swirled teams were interested in acquiring winger JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres.

Why wouldn’t they be? The 23-year-old is coming off a 28-goal campaign and has already set a new career high with 51 points in just 59 games this season.

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams, however, has no plans to trade Peterka.... Read the full article

To acquire Josh Norris and change core, Sabres had to trade Dylan Cozens

Kevyn Adams wanted to make it clear he wasn’t looking to deal center Dylan Cozens as he worked to improve the Buffalo Sabres before Friday’s trade deadline.

But as the general manager went about trying to make a big move to change the dynamic of a last-place team that will miss the playoff for the 14th consecutive season, he found conversations started around Cozens.

In Cozens, he possessed a 24-year-old second-line center who has a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Zucker signs extension; Buffalo makes two minor trades

When Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams first discussed a contract extension with winger Jason Zucker almost two months ago in Seattle, he challenged him a little bit.

Adams asked Zucker, 33, why he wanted to stay with the Sabres.

“He just said, ‘I’ve fallen in love with this town and the locker room and these young guys, and I want to see this through. I know how good this team can be, and I ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back against Panthers, fall apart late: ‘It was right there’

BUFFALO – On one hand, the Sabres erased an early 2-0 deficit Monday against the Florida Panthers and made things interesting. Despite losing 5-2, they matched the Stanley Cup champions’ skill and grit.

On the other hand, the Sabres, whose three-game winning streak was snapped, showed they haven’t reached the Panthers’ class. They broke down defensively all night, took ill-advised penalties and wilted late while allowing two third-period goals.

Coach Lindy Ruff doesn’t take much ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jiri Kulich scratched as Nicolas Aube-Kubel returns

BUFFALO – Right now, the Sabres have a good problem. Winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel has recovered from a lower-body injury, giving them 13 forwards.

So if they remain healthy up front, that depth they’ve built up will force coach Lindy Ruff to make some difficult decisions.

Ruff made room for Aube-Kubel in Monday’s lineup for the Sabres’ 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers by scratching rookie Jiri Kulich. They placed winger Zach Benson, who’s battling a ... Read the full article

Paul Maurice says range makes Sabres’ Tage Thompson special talent

BUFFALO – Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice said if you analyze elite NHL players, they all have soft hands, terrific shots and a mind for the game.

What makes 6-foot-6 Sabres center Tage Thompson such a unique talent is the range he possesses.

“The ability to control the puck across that body,” Maurice said prior to tonight’s game against the Sabres in KeyBank Center. “The standard thing you can say defensively against any elite players ... Read the full article

With Nicolas Aube-Kubel ready to play, Sabres likely have to scratch forward

BUFFALO – In his seven appearances this season, Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich has often impressed coach Lindy Ruff, earning ice time alongside established talent on scoring lines and the power play.

Ruff even kept Kulich, 20, in the lineup once over winger Jack Quinn.

But with winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel ready to return from a lower-body injury tonight, Ruff said Kulich will likely be scratched against the Florida Panthers.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Rasmus Dahlin feeling like himself; Nicolas Aube-Kubel set to return from injury

BUFFALO – It’s pretty easy to tell when Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin is playing at his best. Look for him to be smiling and laughing.

“That’s when it’s more freedom out there, no thinking and I move my feet,” Dahlin said following Sunday’s practice in KeyBank Center.

In the weeks after Dahlin, 24, returned from a mid-body injury he suffered minutes into the first session of training camp – he mentioned he injured his back ... Read the full article

Sabres start scoring, beat Panthers for first win: ‘A stress-reliever’

BUFFALO – It felt like things might be turning for the Sabres when late in Saturday’s first period, having just answered the Florida Panthers and tied the game, center Tage Thompson roared down the right wing and unleashed the puck toward the net.

During the Sabres’ three season-opening losses, the opposing goalie would’ve stopped a shot like that. This time, however, they enjoyed a little puck luck that had been non-existent.

Panthers goalie Spencer Knight, ... Read the full article