Granato - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons excited for 11th season: ‘Got to see things through’

BUFFALO – When captain Kyle Okposo was contemplating returning for another season, he thought about what it would be like trying to lead the Sabres without Zemgus Girgensons, a popular heart-and-soul veteran.

“I didn’t even want to consider that,” Okposo said following Monday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “That’s how important he is.”

Girgensons’ influence has been a huge factor in the Sabres’ recent transformation into a legitimate playoff contender. The winger’s actions and professionalism ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Ryan Johnson making strong impression: ‘Pretty talented kid’

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Ryan Johnson hadn’t experienced a week of hockey so jam-packed since his days of playing four games in two days at youth tournaments.

Last week, Johnson, 22, played four of the Sabres’ five preseason games, including three in a dizzying four-day stretch.

“I feel like I have not done that before in a long time,” the rookie said with a laugh following Monday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “… I like actually ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Benson scores late winner, making push to stay in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Barely a week ago, it felt like Zach Benson might receive a long look during training camp before the Sabres returned him to junior hockey. But four games, two goals and four points later, the prospect is fighting to earn an NHL roster spot.

Benson, 18, enjoyed another terrific outing in Saturday afternoon’s entertaining 4-3 preseason victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in KeyBank Center, scoring the late power-play winner after the Sabres ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie off to strong start, wants to stay with ‘special team’

BUFFALO – Eric Comrie had always battled for an opportunity, yo-yoing between the NHL and minors. So when the Sabres signed the goalie to his first big contract last year, guaranteeing him a spot, the expectations felt unusual.

Comrie, 28, said he put so much pressure on himself “it’s kind of like I hammered myself down.”

“I came here and I had a job, I’m like, ‘Holy smokes, I’m in a whole different spot,’” Comrie ... Read the full article

Prospect Brandon Biro impressive as he fights for another shot with Sabres

BUFFALO – Having undergone season-ending surgery as the Rochester Americans began the Calder Cup Playoffs, Sabres prospect Brandon Biro had a tough time watching his teammates compete.

Biro, 25, stayed with the Amerks throughout the spring, sharing in the emotions that accompanied their wins and losses. He never lost his competitiveness.

“The tough part was I didn’t think there was any chance I was going to be able to be back at all in the ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Zach Benson could earn more preseason action; Matt Savoie close to returning

BUFFALO – In the beginning of training camp, coach Don Granato said the Sabres penciled prospect Zach Benson in for three preseason games, a number he will hit tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

But Benson, the 13th overall pick this year, has looked so impressive in his early action he might earn more games. The Sabres have three more after tonight’s in Pittsburgh.

“Now, based on how he’s playing, there’s intrigue that he may get ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen confident after long stint in Buffalo

ST. THOMAS, Ont. – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen never expected he would spend five months in Buffalo, win 17 games or briefly emerge as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie.

After all, Luukkonen, 24, began last season in the AHL before Eric Comrie’s injury forced the Sabres to recall him in mid-November. He quickly emerged as their top option, playing 33 games.

From Dec. 4 until Jan. 24, he won 12 of his 15 starts, including eight of ... Read the full article

Jacob Bryson, Sabres excited to play in Hockeyville: ‘It’s very special’

ST. THOMAS, Ont. – When the Buffalo Sabres arrived via a police escort at Joe Thornton Community Centre to prepare for tonight’s Kraft Hockeyville game, defenseman Jacob Bryson, who grew up in nearby London, left the bus first to greet excited fans.

“I would say I was ordered,” joked Bryson, who will play in tonight’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Of course, Bryson gladly, as he said, “led the charge.” He occasionally practiced ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Devon Levi looks sharp in preseason debut

BUFFALO – While the Sabres have three goalies battling for two spots, Devon Levi, having started seven critical late-season games last year, likely secured his place and the No. 1 job months ago.

In his first preseason start Tuesday, Levi, 21, only strengthened the belief he will be the opening night starter, stopping all 19 shots he faced in 40 minutes of action.

Goalie Devin Cooley, a free agent ticketed for the AHL, relieved Levi ... Read the full article

Youngstown’s Joseph Cecconi grabbing Sabres’ attention

BUFFALO – This time, Joseph Cecconi’s cheering section was more subdued. His 20 or so family members and friends in attendance still cheered for the Sabres defenseman, mind you.

But they left their neon green “Cecconi Fan Club” shirts, giant head cutouts and signs at home.

Instead, Cecconi’s mother, Regina, opted to have some smaller “Cecconi heads” mounted on stick.... Read the full article