Greenway - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres recall top prospects Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen from Amerks

Buffalo Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen this afternoon both earned their first recalls to the NHL.

The forwards have enjoyed terrific seasons with the Rochester Americans, establishing themselves as two of the AHL’s top young scorers.

Kulich, 19, has registered a team-high 11 goals – the league’s third-highest total – and 17 points in 16 games this season. Meanwhile, Rosen, 20, has recorded eights goals and a team-high 19 points – the league’s ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back after Kyle Okposo talk, beat Penguins; Buffalo likely to recall forward from Amerks

BUFFALO – By the end of Friday’s second period, the Sabres had reached what captain Kyle Okposo acknowledged was a desperate situation.

Most of the season, they haven’t showcased the aggressive style that made their offense so lethal last year. They’ve struggled to score goals and find any consistency.

After 40 minutes against the Penguins, the Sabres trailed 2-0 and were in danger of losing for the fifth time in six outings.... Read the full article

Mature style, skill help Sabres rookie Zach Benson earn spot in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Forget, for a moment, about the dynamic goal Sabres winger Zach Benson scored Wednesday.

Seconds before Benson, 18, utilized a scintillating between-the-legs backhand to beat Washington Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper for his first NHL goal, he made two subtle plays that belied his age.

The maturity the rookie showcased – coach Don Granato called the plays “significant” – helps illustrate why the Sabres have chosen to keep him, at least for now.

Benson, ... Read the full article

Injured Sabres star Tage Thompson out ‘less than a couple of months’; Alex Tuch close to returning

BUFFALO – Sabres center Tage Thompson will be sidelined “less than a couple of months” after suffering an upper-body injury Tuesday, coach Don Granato said.

“It’s more week to week,” Granato said following Wednesday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “I don’t have a target date for him yet.”

Thompson departed Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins just over 11 minutes into the second period after blocking Charlie McAvoy’s shot with his left hand or wrist.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Injured Alex Tuch misses game; Buffalo could make roster move

BUFFALO – As the Sabres convened for their optional morning skate, winger Alex Tuch emerged from the tunnel and joined his teammates on the ice.

But before the session started, Tuch, who’s battling an upper-body injury, left the ice. He missed Friday’s 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center.

“He’s dealing with some soreness that we’re hoping resolves sooner than later,” Sabres coach Don Granato said prior to the game. “It’s gotten better.”... Read the full article

Alex Tuch breaks loose late in Sabres’ win over Maple Leafs; Dylan Cozens misses game with injury

TORONTO – No, it wasn’t quite a piano off Alex Tuch’s back. The Sabres winger had scored this season before his two third-period goals Saturday secured a 6-4 win over the Maple Leafs. He said he believes he had been skating well.

Piano’s too heavy for the expression.

“Monkey more than piano,” said Tuch, bringing the weight he was carrying early this season down about 700 pounds.

Fresh off a breakout 36-goal campaign, Tuch hadn’t ... Read the full article

Sabres lose Zach Benson to injury, add Brandon Biro, Devon Levi

BUFFALO – The Sabres have lost one rookie to injury and added two to the lineup.

General manager Kevyn Adams said on Tuesday that winger Zach Benson, 18, aggravated a lower-body injury he has been dealing with and will be sidelined week to week.

With a roster spot available, the Sabres recalled forward Brandon Biro from the Rochester Americans. Biro, 25, practiced at right wing Tuesday alongside center Tage Thompson and Jordan Greenway. Coach Don ... Read the full article

With Sabres goalie Eric Comrie injured, Devin Cooley earns first NHL recall; Buffalo changes up lines

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Eric Comrie’s lower-body injury will likely sideline him at least few weeks, general manger Kevyn Adams said. Meanwhile, rookie Devon Levi is still recovering from his lower-body injury.

So on Saturday, the Sabres, the same team forced to scratch a healthy goalie four times earlier this season, recalled Devin Cooley on an emergency basis from the Rochester Americans.

Cooley, 26, will back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for this afternoon’s game against the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tage Thompson on stick snap: ‘You’re competitive, you want to score’

BUFFALO – Late in Saturday’s 3-1 win, Sabres winger Tage Thompson zoomed to the net and was so convinced he had scored on a backhander he raised his stick in celebration.

When the puck trickled in front of the crease seconds later, he appeared to have an easy goal as players scrambled around goalie Semyon Varlamov. But defenseman Noah Dobson quickly turned around and deflected the shot into the netting above the glass.

Thompson immediately ... Read the full article

Sabres deliver signature effort in win over Islanders: ‘Absolutely phenomenal’

BUFFALO – As the Sabres struggled out of the gate, they rarely played to their identity – a fast, relentless attack – and dropped three of their first four games.

Another loss would’ve moved their underwhelming start into the concerning category. More than a week into the season, they hadn’t had a signature effort.

Well, they finally showcased what makes them so dangerous in Saturday’s 3-1 win over the New York Islanders, a game not ... Read the full article