Georgiev - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Jiri Kulich knew he had to change; Buffalo makes roster move

BUFFALO – When Sabres center Jiri Kulich had the puck on his stick earlier this season, instead of carrying it and utilizing his speed, he quickly tried to make a play with it.

“It wasn’t my game I used to play, so I had to change something,” Kulich told the Times Herald prior to Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings in KeyBank Center.

Kulich, 21, struggled so badly Sabres coach Lindy Ruff briefly demoted ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Colten Ellis to make first start; Buffalo to make lineup change after roster move

BUFFALO – Sixteen days and six games since the Sabres claimed Colten Ellis on waivers, the goalie will be starting his first NHL game tonight against the Detroit Red Wings.

“There’s been a lot of emotions the last couple days since finding out,” Ellis said this morning in KeyBank Center. “Something I worked my whole life for, and just super grateful and happy for the opportunity.”

So far, Ellis, 25, has backed up veteran ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Ryan McLeod, other forwards struggling early; Alexandar Georgiev practices with Rochester

BUFFALO – Jiri Kulich, the Sabres’ second-youngest forward, got singled out a bit by practicing as an extra before Wednesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

But make no mistake, nearly every Sabres forward struggled during their dreary 0-3-0 start they carried into their contest against the Ottawa Senators.

“This isn’t about Kulich,” coach Lindy Ruff, whose Sabres began the night with just two goals all season, said Wednesday morning in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka quickly impressing with Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – For the time being at least, Buffalo Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka is adapting to the rigors of pro hockey as a member of the Americans.

The AHL, of course, can be unforgiving for teenagers and other neophytes, especially defenseman. But after earning a long look in training camp, rather than sending Mrtka, 18, back to junior hockey, the Sabres assigned him to the Amerks.

How long could the Czech stay? Remember, Sabres general ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris out injured; Zach Benson to leave hospital

BUFFALO – Fresh off the most productive summer of his career, a healthy Josh Norris seemed poised to enjoy a breakout season as the Sabres’ new No. 1 center.

The oft-injured Norris, 26, dazzled during four preseason outings, scoring three goals and an NHL-high seven points.

But just one game into the season, he’s hurt again, joining five teammates on the sideline.

What the heck is going on?

“Maybe it’s just a test for us ... Read the full article

Alexandar Georgiev part of Rochester’s roster; Sabres make recall

BUFFALO – Veteran Alexandar Georgiev, who earlier this week cleared waivers, is one four goalies on Rochester Americans’ season-opening roster.

Devon Levi, Topias Leinonen and Scott Ratzlaff are the Amerks’ other netminders.

Georgiev, 29, hasn’t played in the AHL since an 11-game stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2018-19. He signed a one-year, one-way contract last month.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Alex Lyon focused ahead of first start subbing for injured UPL

BUFFALO – Having spent at least a portion of the last eight seasons in the NHL, the novelty of career firsts has worn off for Sabres goalie Alex Lyon.

Tonight, Lyon, 32, is expected to make his first opening-night start. Don’t get him wrong, he’s looking forward to facing the New York Rangers in KeyBank Center. But he’s trying to maintain his focus as the Sabres begin their grueling six-month, 82-game schedule.

“Honestly, I ... Read the full article

As excited Colten Ellis arrives in Buffalo for first chance, Sabres waive goalie

BUFFALO – As the Sabres searched to improve their goaltending, they targeted Colten Ellis, a St. Louis Blues prospect whose path to the NHL was blocked by Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer.

Ellis, 25, needed to clear waivers to be returned to the AHL, where he has spent most of the last two seasons tending goal for the Springfield Thunderbirds.

So when, as expected, he hit the wire, the Sabres claimed him Monday.... Read the full article

Sabres to trim roster by waiving goalie Alexandar Georgiev

BUFFALO – The Sabres will be placing goalie Alexandar Georgiev on waivers today, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Georgiev, who struggled during the preseason, became expendable Monday when the Sabres claimed goalie Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

“When Ellis became available, he’s someone that as an organization we felt really highly about,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following today’s practice in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres claim rookie goalie Colten Ellis off waivers from Blues, finalize roster

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ crease is getting crowded.

The team on Monday added its fourth goalie, claiming Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Ellis, who has never played in the NHL, joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Alexandar Georgiev in Buffalo.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said on Monday that Luukkonen, who has been sidelined by a lower-body injury, won’t be ready for Thursday’s season opener against the New York Rangers.

When ... Read the full article