Kulikov - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Kings’ Jordan Nolan speaks up about Standing Rock

BUFFALO – As a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Los Angeles Kings, Jordan Nolan’s hockey fame has brought him some influence in the First Nations community.

“We’re in a position where a lot of young Native men look up to us,” Nolan said Tuesday prior to the Sabres’ 6-3 win against the Kings inside KeyBank Center. “We’re role models, so I think we have to take that pretty seriously.”

So Nolan, 27, and teammate ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian nearing return; Goalie Robin Lehner to start

BUFFALO – It was just an innocent play. Early in the Sabres’ 2-1 loss to Minnesota on Nov. 1, defenseman Zach Bogosian said he pinched down in the offensive zone.

“I just caught a rut and my knee just kind of went in,” Bogosian said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “It was kind of a freak thing. … Sometimes the ice will get you. Unfortunately, my knee kind of went the wrong way.”

Bogosian, who ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Cody Franson enjoying heavier workload

BUFFALO – Playing limited minutes would be easier for Sabres defenseman Cody Franson if he enjoyed the comfort of some contract security.

But the affable veteran, whose ice time has recently increased because of injuries, will be a free agent following the season.

Every minute, an opportunity to showcase his talents, is precious.

“I got to be able to show people I’m very capable of playing this role for a full season,” Franson said Monday ... Read the full article

Special teams doom Sabres in loss to Capitals

BUFFALO – After Friday’s disappointing 4-1 loss to Washington Capitals, the Sabres are 3-2-1 with Jack Eichel, their dynamic young star, back in the lineup.

Eichel’s presence, as their record indicates, has boosted Sabres a bit. They’ve played some entertaining games in the last two weeks, scoring goals and showcasing the ability to roar back late.

But even with Eichel and many of their injured regulars back – defensemen Josh Gorges and Dmitry Kulikov returned ... Read the full article

Brendan Guhle’s short stint leaves positive impression on Sabres

BUFFALO – In his first three NHL games, defenseman Brendan Guhle showcased consistency and poise, performing like a veteran, not a 19-year-old rookie the Sabres recalled from junior hockey on an emergency basis.

Guhle, less than a week into his big league career, quickly became one of the team’s top defensemen, helping solidify the injury-ravaged blue line.

But defensemen Josh Gorges and Dmitry Kulikov returned from injuries for Friday’s 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, ... Read the full article

With defensemen healthy, Sabres rookie Brendan Guhle must leave

BUFFALO – In his first three NHL games, Sabres defenseman Brendan Guhle showcased consistency and poise, performing like a veteran, not a 19-year-old rookie recalled from junior hockey on an emergency basis.

Guhle, less than a week into his big league career, quickly became one of the team’s top defensemen, helping solidify the injury-ravaged blue line.

But defensemen Josh Gorges (foot) and Dmitry Kulikov (back) are set to return tonight against the Washington Capitals, meaning ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Gorges close to returning from foot fracture

BUFFALO – When practice started this morning, Sabres defenseman Josh Gorges, who was supposed to be sidelined weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his left foot, was skating with his teammates.

Incredibly, Gorges, who has missed three games, could play Friday against Washington.

“Testing it out, seeing how it feels,” Gorges said inside KeyBank Center. “When it’s in your boot, it’s not much different than being in your skate. The boot will act to ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Dmitry Kulikov nearing return as Josh Gorges leaves lineup

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Josh Gorges has a non-displaced fracture in his foot and will be sidelined “weeks,” coach Dan Bylsma said Sunday.

There is, however, some good news for the Sabres’ injury-ravaged blue line, which is missing three regulars. Dmitry Kulikov, out the last 11 games with a back injury, practiced Sunday inside HarborCenter and is day-to-day, Bylsma said.

Still, the Russian likely won’t play in tonight’s road tilt against the Washington Capitals. ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Gorges out weeks; Dmitry Kulikov nearing return

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Josh Gorges has a non-displaced fracture in his foot and will be sidelined “weeks,” coach Dan Bylsma said this afternoon.

There is, however, some good news for the Sabres’ beleaguered blue line. Dmitry Kulikov, out the last 11 games with a back injury, practiced today inside HarborCenter and is day-to-day, Bylsma said.

Still, it appears unlikely the Russian will return for Monday’s game in Washington. Later in the week appears to ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Brendan Guhle stands out in NHL debut

BUFFALO – Early in his NHL debut Saturday afternoon, Sabres rookie Brendan Guhle, like any youngster thrust into the spotlight, said he felt “a lot” of nerves.

Who could blame him? A day earlier, the defenseman was in British Columbia preparing for a junior Western Hockey League game.

On Saturday, after the Sabres made an emergency recall, they threw Guhle headfirst into the action, skating him 16 minutes, 20 seconds in their 2-1 loss ... Read the full article