Florida Panthers - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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

JJ Peterka could return from injury next week; Devon Levi to start for Sabres

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Lindy Ruff expects winger JJ Peterka to return from his concussion for Wednesday’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Peterka skated in the Sabres’ optional this morning as they prepared for tonight’s game against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. He will miss his second straight contest.

The German suffered a concussion when New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon hit him in the head early in last Saturday’s 3-1 loss.... Read the full article

As Sabres stumble out of gate, veteran Jason Zucker’s experience can help

BUFFALO – Right now, as the Sabres try to avoid losing their first four games and a full-blown crisis, they might be wise to lean on veteran newcomer Jason Zucker a bit.

Having played 700 NHL games – he reached the milestone in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings – the winger has experienced a lot over the years.

“Games played in this league is always a great thing, kind of shows longevity,” ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Zach Benson scores 10th goal at end of surprising rookie season

BUFFALO – Seven months ago, rookie Zach Benson arrived here having just scored a hat trick for the Wenatchee Wild, the junior team seemingly everyone, including the Sabres, expected he would be returned to following training camp.

Benson’s preseason exploits in Washington illustrated that at just 18, he had possibly outgrown the Western Hockey League. But the diminutive winger’s limited options – as a teenager, he can only play in junior or the NHL – ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams emotional after trading Kyle Okposo to Panthers: ‘An unbelievable person’

BUFFALO – Kevyn Adams processed the question, cleared his throat and stepped back from the podium for a moment to compose himself. When the Sabres general manager began talking about trading his captain, Kyle Okposo, he fought back tears.

“An unbelievable person,” an emotional Adams said Friday in KeyBank Center after dealing the veteran winger to the Florida Panthers hours before the 3 p.m. trade deadline. “I have a lot of respect for people that ... Read the full article