Gilbert - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Jack Quinn on torrid streak, still disappointed in season: ‘Pretty brutal’

OTTAWA – In the midst of a career-best stretch, fresh off consecutive three-point outings, Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn’s disappointment is still evident.

Quinn, 23, entered Tuesday’s game against the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre on a tear, having scored four goals and eight points in his last four outings.

But in what was expected to be a breakout season, he has struggled at both ends of the ice – he began Tuesday’s game ... Read the full article

Before trade to Senators, Dylan Cozens wanted to find solution with Sabres

BUFFALO – Center Dylan Cozens, one of the Sabres’ core assets just a few weeks ago, emerged from the visiting dressing room clad in black, red and gold gear and walked to a backdrop adorned with logos of the Ottawa Senators.

Then Cozens, sporting a backwards baseball hat and his customary smile, began answering questions about the deadline trade that sent him to the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rival.

“It still really doesn’t feel real ... 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 trade Dylan Cozens to Senators, get Josh Norris, Jacob Bernard-Docker

Two seasons ago, in the midst of a breakout 31-goal campaign, the Buffalo Sabres labeled center Dylan Cozens as one of their cornerstones, awarding him a seven-year contract extension.

Today, after two disappointing seasons, Cozens is gone, having been traded to the Ottawa Senators with defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a second-round pick in 2026 in exchange for center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The trade deadline hits at 3 p.m.... Read the full article

As trade deadline approaches, Sabres must make difficult roster decisions

BUFFALO – It’s over for this edition of Sabres. The same group of young talent that appeared to be on the precipice of something special two years ago will almost certainly be broken up in the coming days and months.

Expect some moves, possibly minor ones, to be made prior to Friday’s trade deadline. The last-place Sabres, after all, have players set to become unrestricted free agents following the season.

Significant deals, of course, usually ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Mattias Samuelsson plays after sitting as healthy scratch

BUFFALO – After becoming a healthy scratch and recovering from a lower-body injury, Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson seemed to recapture some of his old form and solidify a regular spot.

Well, Samuelsson, 24, briefly fell out of the lineup again.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff reinserted him for Tuesday’s 6-2 setback to the San Jose Sharks after scratching him for Monday’s 4-3 overtime road loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

To create a spot, the Sabres scratched ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn winning more battles, scoring goals

BUFFALO – These days, Sabres winger Jack Quinn is winning a heck of a lot more battles than just a few months ago when he struggled so badly he fell out of the lineup.

In turn, he has the puck more often and the ability to showcase his talent.

Quinn, 23, has transformed his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame a bit during his trying season, adding strength. So far, it has paid dividends.

“It’s that a little ... Read the full article

Injured Sabres Alex Tuch, Jason Zucker to be game-time decisions

BUFFALO – Injured Sabres wingers Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker both skated this morning and will be game-time decisions tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff said the Sabres will dress an extra player for the pregame warm-up in KeyBank Center.

Tuch, who has played all 55 games this season, departed Saturday afternoon’s 8-2 win over the New York Rangers after being hit in the corner. Zucker, meanwhile, briefly left the contest ... Read the full article

Sabres score early in blowout win over Rangers; Alex Tuch leaves game injured

BUFFALO – The genesis of the Sabres’ five-goal, first-period outburst in Saturday afternoon’s 8-2 shellacking of the New York Rangers can be traced to their practice sessions earlier in the week.

When the Sabres reconvened Tuesday following a nine-day break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, coach Lindy Ruff began driving them hard, demanding pace. They practiced with purpose.

Their first two sessions were the longest of the season. After doing off-ice work Thursday, they had ... Read the full article

Dennis Gilbert fights, creates goal as Sabres beat Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Dennis Gilbert offered little insight into how his fight just three seconds into Tuesday’s 3-2 win materialized.

There’s a code, you know.

“Off the cuff,” the local kid said of his scrap with Columbus Blue Jackets winger Mathieu Olivier, one of the NHL’s emerging heavyweights, immediately after the puck dropped.

Did Gilbert know when he saw Olivier’s name in the starting lineup they would be dropping their gloves?... Read the full article