Krueger - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres recall goalie Andrew Hammond with Carter Hutton unavailable

BUFFALO – Center Marcus Johansson (sick) and goalie Carter Hutton (family circumstances) will not play this afternoon, the Sabres have announced.

Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said rookie goalie Jonas Johansson will start this afternoon against the Anaheim Ducks at KeyBank Center.

To replace Hutton, the Sabres have recalled goalie Andrew Hammond from the Rochester Americans. Krueger said the Sabres will dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Victor Olofsson practices, nearing return from lower-body injury

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Victor Olofsson said he has never experienced anything like the lower-body injury that has sidelined him the last 13 games.

In his first seven years as a pro, the high-scoring Swede showcased terrific durability, never missing more than a couple weeks of action.

Then on Jan. 2 against the Edmonton Oilers, Olofsson’s left skate got caught in the ice, causing him to fall backwards.

“It was unfortunate, no one around me, ... Read the full article

Sabres assign Rasmus Asplund, Lawrence Pilut to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres assigned forward Rasmus Asplund and defenseman Lawrence Pilut to the Rochester Americans this morning.

Both players were scratched for Friday’s 3-2 road win against the New York Rangers.

The Amerks play a road contest this afternoon against the Toronto Marlies.

Asplund, 22, has scored one goal and two points in 29 games with the Sabres this season. Meanwhile, Pilut, 24, has compiled zero points in 10 NHL outings.... Read the full article

Sabres suffer awful shootout loss to hapless Red Wings

BUFFALO – The 4-3 shootout loss was even hard for Ralph Krueger to spin. The coach explained the Sabres’ inability to convert their chances doomed them Thursday against the hapless Detroit Red Wings. He insisted his reeling team’s effort remained high.

But there’s no getting around the Sabres suffered a humiliating defeat. The Red Wings, the NHL’s worst team, are on pace for the worst season since the NHL implemented the salary cap in 2005.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jonas Johansson looks solid in first NHL start

BUFFALO – In the midst of an awful stretch during another lost season, goalie Jonas Johansson’s first NHL start Thursday should’ve given the Sabres a spark.

Johansson’s arrival has created some excitement and intrigue. The Swede, 24, has enjoyed a terrific season with the Rochester Americans, winning 13 of his 20 appearances and receiving AHL All-Star honors.

While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been tabbed the Sabres’ goalie of the future, Johansson, a third-round pick in ... Read the full article

In dreary season, Jonas Johansson’s first NHL start offers Sabres freshness

BUFFALO – In what has become another dreary season, goalie Jonas Johansson’s first NHL start tonight offers the Sabres some freshness.

While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been tabbed the Sabres’ goalie of the future, Johansson has developed into a strong prospect.

The former third-round pick ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Conor Sheary focused on present, not thinking about trade

BUFFALO – In the near future – perhaps through a trade this month or as a free agent following the season – winger Conor Sheary will likely leave the Sabres, ending his disappointing two-year run here.

Sheary, 27, has struggled throughout his 124-game career with the Sabres, battling long slumps and scoring only 21 goals. He was even scratched three times in December.

Having scored 48 goals and earned two Stanley Cup rings over his ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Scott Wilson from Amerks, send Jean-Sebastien Dea back

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled winger Scott Wilson from the Rochester Americans this afternoon and sent forward Jean-Sebastien Dea back to the AHL club.

Dea, 25, went pointless in two appearances during his recall.

Wilson, 27, has spent most of the season with the Amerks, scoring nine goals and 18 points in 27 games. He recorded three goals and four points in five contests after the Sabres sent him Rochester following a two-game recall last ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin questionable for game against Red Wings

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin briefly tested his upper-body injury during this morning’s practice inside LECOM Harborcenter before leaving the ice.

Coach Ralph Krueger said Dahlin, who missed Tuesday’s 6-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, is questionable for Thursday’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings.

“It’s definitely not a long-term injury,” Krueger said.

Krueger said the Sabres are being cautious to make sure Dahlin feels 100% when he returns. Officially, Dahlin is day-to-day.... Read the full article

Sabres implode in ugly second period, fall to Avalanche: ‘Today was (crap)’

BUFFALO – This could spiral out of control in a hurry. There might be more ugly efforts like Tuesday’s uninspired 6-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche down the stretch.

The Sabres have displayed a disturbing penchant for melting down late in the season.

Players, coaches and even regimes change, yet the sorry results stay the same.

A week ago, the Sabres began a stretch in which they play five straight home games nine of 10 ... Read the full article