Kulich - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres blow late lead, lose in OT again; Josh Dunne, fourth-liners wreak havoc

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ recent run – after Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, they’ve earned points in six of their last seven games – illustrates the significant improvements they’ve made in the last two weeks.

Following their wretched 0-3-0 start, they’ve recovered and positioned themselves in the thick of things at 4-4-2.

Still, if they hope to surge up the standings, they must start closing out games and burying their scoring ... Read the full article

Mattias Samuelsson scores two goals as Sabres down Maple Leafs; Buffalo likely to make recall

BUFFALO – In his first 217 NHL games, Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson scored seven times, an average of one goal every 31 outings.

He registered his first goal in his 64th appearance. He has never scored more than four times in a season.

So Samuelsson hasn’t enjoyed too many outings like his two-goal performance in Friday’s 5-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs before a bipartisan crowd of 17,211 fans in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jiri Kulich knew he had to change; Buffalo makes roster move

BUFFALO – When Sabres center Jiri Kulich had the puck on his stick earlier this season, instead of carrying it and utilizing his speed, he quickly tried to make a play with it.

“It wasn’t my game I used to play, so I had to change something,” Kulich told the Times Herald prior to Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings in KeyBank Center.

Kulich, 21, struggled so badly Sabres coach Lindy Ruff briefly demoted ... Read the full article

Sabres defeat Panthers with complete, heavy effort: ‘A lot of passion’

BUFFALO – Well, a lot can change in three days, huh? The Sabres, a laughingstock earlier in the week thanks to their dreadful 0-3-0 start, suddenly look like a contender in the crowded Eastern Conference.

To wit: fresh off a four-goal victory, the Sabres showcased a complete and heavy effort throughout Saturday’s emotional 3-0 triumph over the Florida Panthers, setting an aggressive tone all afternoon and also standing up for themselves physically.

Goalie Alex Lyon, ... Read the full article

After early demotion, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen makes impact in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Instead of dazzling during training camp and forcing the Buffalo Sabres to keep him, winger Isak Rosen played three exhibition games and quietly returned to the AHL to begin his fourth season.

Before the Prospects Challenge last month, coach Mike Leone said he wanted Rosen, 22, “to kind of blow the doors off” in his fourth appearance in the rookie tournament.

The Swede, who has played 15 NHL games, hardly stood out against ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back to beat Senators, earn first win: ‘Building came to life’

BUFFALO – The four-goal second period that buoyed the Sabres to Wednesday’s much-needed 8-4 come-from-behind win can be traced to, of all things, winger Alex Tuch’s penalty.

With the Sabres trailing 2-1 at the 5:48 mark and down a man, Tuch was whistled for a slashing call he found, at the time, a little weak.

Tuch, who rarely barks at officials, emphatically pleaded his case.... Read the full article

After brief hospitalization, Sabres’ Zach Benson ready to play; UPL, Jordan Greenway also return practice

BUFFALO – In the short term, only one of the three injured players who returned to practice Tuesday, winger Zach Benson, can help the reeling Sabres.

Coach Lindy Ruff said he expects Benson, who was hospitalized last week after a puck cut his face in practice, to play tonight against the Ottawa Senators in KeyBank Center.

Sporting a full “fishbowl” shield to cover his black eye and cut, Benson took reps on Tuesday alongside ... Read the full article

Sabres could scratch Jiri Kulich: ‘Hasn’t been good enough’

BUFFALO – Through three games this season, Sabres center Jiri Kulich has compiled zero goals, zero points and a minus-4 rating.

In Tuesday’s practice, Kulich, 21, skated alongside Jordan Greenway and Mason Geertsen, a strong sign he could be benched for tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

Does coach Lindy Ruff, whose Sabres have scored two goals during their 0-3-0 start, plan to scratch the struggling Czech?... Read the full article

Sabres lose again, in trouble after loss to Avalanche: ‘This is not acceptable’

BUFFALO – Three straight losses to open the season. Two goals scored. One team going nowhere fast.

Less than a week into the season, the Sabres are in a heap of trouble.

Right now, they’re clearly feeling the heat. Players are already agitated and at a loss to explain their first 0-3-0 start since, well, last year.

To wit: as winger Tage Thompson spoke following Monday afternoon’s 3-1 loss, he grew more frustrated as questions ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris out injured; Zach Benson to leave hospital

BUFFALO – Fresh off the most productive summer of his career, a healthy Josh Norris seemed poised to enjoy a breakout season as the Sabres’ new No. 1 center.

The oft-injured Norris, 26, dazzled during four preseason outings, scoring three goals and an NHL-high seven points.

But just one game into the season, he’s hurt again, joining five teammates on the sideline.

What the heck is going on?

“Maybe it’s just a test for us ... Read the full article