Krueger - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Brandon Davidson grateful for nomadic NHL life: ‘It’s been a wild ride’

BUFFALO – Other than a four-and-a-half year stint in the Edmonton Oilers organization, Sabres defenseman Brandon Davidson has led a nomadic hockey life, enjoying little stability as he zigzagged across North America.

Davidson, 29, began his NHL career with the Oilers, playing 91 games over parts of three seasons. Since leaving Edmonton the first time in 2016-17, he ranks among hockey’s most well-traveled players, never spending more than a full year with one team or ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jake McCabe, Brandon Montour ready to play, but lineup still unclear

Jack McCabe and Brandon Montour have been cleared to play, so the Buffalo Sabres defensemen will be in tonight’s lineup against the New York Islanders, right?

Well, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger wouldn’t reveal if McCabe and Montour, both of whom tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, will play.

“It doesn’t really give us any advantage to reveal our final decisions,” Krueger said on a Zoom call following this morning’s optional skate at KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres register zero shots in third period, fall to Islanders in return

BUFFALO – Monday’s loss to the New York Islanders could’ve been penciled in days ago.

Teams coming off a break usually fare poorly against competition that has been playing uninterrupted. The short-handed Sabres were playing their first game in 15 days without six players who are still in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Adjusting to the NHL’s pace and grind after sitting idle can be difficult. The Sabres had to do it without three of their ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger plans to coach behind bench; Sabres move Don Granato

BUFFALO – Coach Ralph Krueger, who recently recovered from COVID-19 and returned to the Sabres on Sunday, plans to be behind the bench tonight against the New York Islanders at KeyBank Center.

“I feel good to go,” Krueger said on a Zoom call this morning. “Obviously, with the strong support around me it makes it easier where they’ve done an excellent job. But I felt really good in the skate today and meetings this ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger returns to Sabres: ‘Time to realize how lethal this COVID is’

BUFFALO – Ralph Krueger only stayed on the ice about 15 minutes. After the Sabres coach chatted with several players and exchanged some fist-bumps, he left and watched Sunday’s practice from the KeyBank Center stands.

But just having an opportunity to touch the ice for a spell and enjoy some brief interactions helped recharge Krueger, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 4.

“Just this morning, when the players arrived and we passed each other, ... Read the full article

Sabres will likely field lineup with C.J. Smith, other taxi-squad players

BUFFALO – Having seven players on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list means the Sabres must utilize their taxi squad to dress a full lineup tonight.

So defensemen Will Borgen and Brandon Davidson and wingers Steven Fogarty and C.J. Smith could all be thrust into action against the New York Islanders at KeyBank Center.

Borgen and Davidson have spent the entire season on the taxi squad. They haven’t played a game at any level since ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Ralph Krueger, Rasmus Dahlin return to practice

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Ralph Krueger and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin returned to practice this morning following COVID-19-related absences.

Krueger, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 4, is wearing an N95 mask and has been skating around the KeyBank Center ice talking to some players. Assistant coach Steve Smith is still leading the session.

Update: Krueger left the ice after about 15 minutes.

Post-practice update: Krueger said he will see how he feels Monday morning ... Read the full article

Sabres battling COVID-19 fears before feeling safe at rink

BUFFALO – When Steve Smith wakes up every morning, the Sabres’ top assistant coach immediately grabs his phone to check the results of the COVID-19 test he took the previous day.

The few seconds it takes Smith, 57, to spot the green button that signifies a negative test are agonizing.

“When I’m green, I’m a happy guy,” Smith said on a Zoom call following Thursday’s practice. “But I’ve got to tell you, every morning I ... Read the full article

Sabres thrilled to be back, believe they can grow from COVID adversity

BUFFALO – The COVID-19 protocols the NHL implemented this season have stymied off-ice activities.

Wanna grab a bite to eat or check out a museum on the road? Wanna stop over after practice and play Xbox? Forget about it. Socializing is kept to the bare minimum.

The Sabres added eight new faces this season, so enjoying a team dinner or group outing would’ve helped the players become familiar with each other.

“You can’t go get ... Read the full article

Sabres felt comfortable playing Devils before COVID-19 problems began

BUFFALO – Before the Sabres played the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 30, general manager Kevyn Adams said he asked Bill Daly about their opponent’s situation with COVID-19.

At that point, the NHL had placed five Devils on the protocol-related absences list. Based on the information the deputy commissioner had been given, the game at KeyBank Center was green-lighted, and the Sabres won a 4-3 shootout.

“The comfort was that we should move forward and ... Read the full article