Kozak - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres keep improving, beat Lightning to extend win streak; Tage Thompson hits 40-goal mark

BUFFALO – Over the final weeks of a disappointing season in which they will add to their NHL-record playoff drought, the Sabres have quietly been establishing an identity, showcasing a more consistent and sturdier style while defeating some heavyweight opponents.

Saturday’s 3-2 come-from-behind shootout victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning at KeyBank Center extended their winning streak to three games. They’ve won nine of their last 13 games and are 11-2-0 in their last 13 ... Read the full article

As Noah Ostlund develops into star for Rochester, Sabres give him chance

BUFFALO – After Noah Ostlund scored in his sixth straight game, an empty-net goal that sealed another win and the Rochester Americans’ spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, coach Mike Leone stood in front of his team and told them the Sabres prospect would be going to the NHL.

Teammates hooted and hollered. Someone shouted, “It’s about time!”

“Everyone got excited,” Ostlund said of learning the Sabres would recall him for the first time. “And ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Tyson Kozak likely out for rest of NHL season; Josh Norris skates on own after injury

BUFFALO – Center Tyson Kozak’s season with Sabres could be over.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Friday the rookie will be sidelined week to week with a hip strain that forced him to leave Tuesday’s 5-2 road win over the Ottawa Senators.

The Sabres have eight games left this season, starting with tonight’s contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning at KeyBank Center. They play their final contest April 17.... Read the full article

Sabres win again, sweep season series from Senators; Tyson Kozak injured

OTTAWA – The Buffalo Sabres’ recent victories – Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the Senators was their second straight and fifth in their last six games – come with a caveat. They fell out of playoff contention long ago, meaning the contests, at least standings-wise, are meaningless.

The pressure has been off the Sabres for weeks. Playing looser surely helps them.

Still, these wins illustrate coach Lindy Ruff’s message is sinking in. While it took months, ... Read the full article

Sabres use second-period outburst to beat Penguins after Sidney Crosby sets point-per-game seasons record

BUFFALO – In almost 37 minutes over two abbreviated starts against the Sabres this season, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry looked downright awful, allowing seven goals on 17 shots and getting yanked twice.

It must be noted the Sabres lost the first game they chased Jarry, the start of disturbing stretch in which they dropped five contests when the starting netminder departed.

On Thursday, however, the Sabres kept throttling the hapless Penguins and Alex Nedeljkovic, ... Read the full article

Isak Rosen knows he must produce for Sabres: ‘I need to play better’

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Isak Rosen understands the opportunities he has recently enjoyed are difficult to earn.

Rosen, the Rochester Americans’ leading scorer, has been recalled three times this month as the Sabres deal with a depleted forward corps.

They’re giving the Swede, the 14th overall pick in 2021, a chance to showcase the talent that has helped him score 27 goals and 54 points in 55 games this season.... Read the full article

With lineup weakened, Sabres look to Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak and others

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-2 win, Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker, two of the Sabres’ top wingers, each played about three minutes under their season averages.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators he believed the virus that has recently run through the team was no longer a problem.

Two hours before the contest, the Sabres recalled center Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans. Dunne and defenseman Jacob Bryson ... 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

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius moves to wing, learning to evolve in Rochester

ROCHESTER – When Americans coach Mike Leone examines Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius’ entire rookie season – his adjustment to the rigors of the AHL over his first six months and 55 games in North America – he sees what he called a “net positive.”

Helenius, 18, arrived possessing notable pro experience, having spent two seasons playing in Liiga, a top-tier pro circuit in his native Finland.

By his second year with Jukurit, he ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich in concussion protocol as JJ Peterka nears return

BUFFALO – Center Jiri Kulich, who left Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 shootout win after getting hit in the head, is in concussion protocol and did not accompany the Sabres to Boston, where they begin a four-game road trip tonight against the Bruins.

The rookie could eventually join the team.

“That could be tomorrow,” Ruff said following Sunday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “It’s a day-by-day (situation) to see where it’s at.”

Kulich left Saturday’s game after Vegas ... Read the full article