Levi - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Jeff Skinner, other injured Sabres could play soon

BUFFALO – By the end of the week, the Sabres could have a healthy forward corps for the first time this season.

Winger Jack Quinn, out since tearing his Achilles tendon in late June, will make his season debut tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Quinn, 22, skated this morning at left wing alongside center Tyson Jost and Victor Olofsson. Coach Don Granato also said Quinn will also kill penalties.... Read the full article

After stint with Sabres, goalie Dustin Tokarski happy back with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Their first stint together lasted maybe six weeks. Dustin Tokarski participated in Seth Appert’s first training camp as an AHL coach and started two early-season games for the Americans. That’s it.

By late February in 2021, the veteran goalie was in Buffalo, where he would play 42 contests for the Sabres over the next season and a half.

Despite their limited time together, Appert and Tokarski, one of the most decorated goalies in ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Don Granato grateful for support as brother, Tony, battles cancer

BUFFALO – Having battled cancer in 2005, Sabres coach Don Granato understands what his older brother, Tony, is experiencing right now.

On Sunday, Tony, 59, announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and would be taking a temporary leave of absence from his job as an analyst with NBC Sports Chicago.

The last three or four weeks, Don Granato said, have been challenging.... Read the full article

‘Persistence’ helps Brett Murray earn recall from Sabres: ‘Lots of initiative’

BUFFALO – Sometimes, Sabres coach Don Granato explained, young players return to the minors and don’t get any better. As they wait for that next recall, they’re not focused on improving for when another chance materializes.

Then there are players like winger Brett Murray, who on Monday was recalled from the Rochester Americans.

“I’ve tried to keep myself ready and prepared for this moment,” he said prior Monday’s 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, his ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch nears return from injury after birth of son; Mattias Samuelsson ‘sore’

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Alex Tuch called it “weirdly good timing.” While being away from the team was difficult, the hamstring injury he suffered allowed him to spend more time with his wife, Kylie, as they prepared for the birth of their son.

“It’s never a good time to get injured, but if I’m going to get injured and be able to 100 percent be there for the birth of my son, I’ll take it,” ... Read the full article

Despite missed chances, Sabres keep forging identity in loss to Canadiens

BUFFALO – The final result, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, stings. The Sabres squandered opportunities all night, pumping a season-high 48 shots on goal and failing to convert six power plays, including one that carried into overtime.

In Saturday’s shootout, they needed one stop to secure back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.

Still, in losing for the sixth time in eight outings (2-5-1), the Sabres at least carried over ... Read the full article

After stint with Rochester, goalie Devon Levi returns to Sabres on top of game

BUFFALO – In the moments following last Friday’s 3-2 win, goalie Devon Levi earned the eagle head, the award given to the Rochester Americans’ player of the game, and enjoyed a special moment with his new teammates.

Levi, 21, had performed dynamically in his AHL debut, making 40 saves against the Belleville Senators and stopping all four of their shootout attempts.

When he received the eagle head in the CAA Arena visiting dressing room, he ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tage Thompson returns from injury; Alex Tuch could play soon

BUFFALO – Sabres center Tage Thompson said he originally expected the left hand injury he suffered on Nov. 14 would sideline him four to six weeks.

“Things progressed a little quicker,” Thompson said prior to recording an assist in Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in KeyBank Center. “X-rays came back good.”

Thompson’s injury healed so quickly that he returned in just three weeks. Despite the layoff, he played after participating in just ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson ready to return from injury; Sabres to make roster moves

BUFFALO – Sabres center Tage Thompson said he originally expected the left hand injury he suffered on Nov. 14 would sideline him four to six weeks.

“Things progressed a little quicker,” Thompson said after skating with his teammates this morning in KeyBank Center. “X-rays came back good.”

Thompson’s injury healed so quickly that he will return ahead of schedule for tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

“Happily surprised,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “We ... Read the full article

After battling adversity, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen becoming No. 1 goalie Sabres envisioned

BUFFALO – That miraculous save was a result of Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s experience and growing confidence, not luck.

Sure, it helped that Jimmy Vesey couldn’t lift the puck high as Luukkonen lunged across the crease during the third period of Monday’s 5-1 road win over the New York Rangers.

Still, the Finn, Sabres coach Don Granato explained, now reads plays so well he knew Vesey was lurking in the left circle, waiting for Erik ... Read the full article