Luukkonen - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Alex Lyon focused ahead of first start subbing for injured UPL

BUFFALO – Having spent at least a portion of the last eight seasons in the NHL, the novelty of career firsts has worn off for Sabres goalie Alex Lyon.

Tonight, Lyon, 32, is expected to make his first opening-night start. Don’t get him wrong, he’s looking forward to facing the New York Rangers in KeyBank Center. But he’s trying to maintain his focus as the Sabres begin their grueling six-month, 82-game schedule.

“Honestly, I ... Read the full article

As excited Colten Ellis arrives in Buffalo for first chance, Sabres waive goalie

BUFFALO – As the Sabres searched to improve their goaltending, they targeted Colten Ellis, a St. Louis Blues prospect whose path to the NHL was blocked by Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer.

Ellis, 25, needed to clear waivers to be returned to the AHL, where he has spent most of the last two seasons tending goal for the Springfield Thunderbirds.

So when, as expected, he hit the wire, the Sabres claimed him Monday.... Read the full article

Sabres to trim roster by waiving goalie Alexandar Georgiev

BUFFALO – The Sabres will be placing goalie Alexandar Georgiev on waivers today, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Georgiev, who struggled during the preseason, became expendable Monday when the Sabres claimed goalie Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

“When Ellis became available, he’s someone that as an organization we felt really highly about,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following today’s practice in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres claim rookie goalie Colten Ellis off waivers from Blues, finalize roster

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ crease is getting crowded.

The team on Monday added its fourth goalie, claiming Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Ellis, who has never played in the NHL, joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Alexandar Georgiev in Buffalo.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said on Monday that Luukkonen, who has been sidelined by a lower-body injury, won’t be ready for Thursday’s season opener against the New York Rangers.

When ... Read the full article

Sabres get closer to finalizing 23-man roster by waiving player

The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday waived center Josh Dunne and will assign him to the Rochester Americans if he clears.

The Sabres, who open the season Thursday, must finalize their regular-season roster by today.

They have 27 players left on their training camp roster. They can reach the 23-man limit by placing four of their six players who have been sidelined – goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, wingers Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway and defensemen Michael Kesselring, ... Read the full article

Injuries sideline Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring

BUFFALO – Injuries will likely keep Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and defenseman Michael Kesselring from playing in Thursday’s season opener against the New York Rangers.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Luukkonen and Kesselring, both of whom left Wednesday’s 5-3 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, are “kind of week to week.”

“It’s going to be more than day to day,” Ruff said following today’s pregame skate in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

With UPL injured, Sabres could turn to Alex Lyon, who loves underdog role

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Alex Lyon has won 173 games in pro hockey, including 51 in the NHL.

Three years ago, the Yale product notched six straight late-season victories that propelled the Florida Panthers to an unlikely playoff berth. Four years ago, he won 12 times during the Chicago Wolves’ run to the Calder Cup and posted a shutout in the championship-clinching game.

When Lyon, 32, thinks about the finest wins of his career, a ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen being evaluated for injury; Mattias Samuelsson close to practicing

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who left Wednesday’s 5-3 preseason loss after one period with a lower-body injury, is being evaluated today, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff said the Sabres will know more about Luukkonen’s status later today. He stopped 11 of the 12 shots he faced against the Pittsburgh Penguins before Alexandar Georgiev replaced him.

Luukkonen missed the first week of training camp after tweaking a lower-body injury. Ruff said the Sabres hope ... Read the full article

Sabres lose Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring to injuries

BUFFALO – After missing the first week of training camp with a lower-body injury, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen began practicing and ramping up to begin the season as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie.

On Wednesday, the Sabres planned for Luukkonen to play the opening 40 minutes in his first preseason action.

The Finn lasted one period before he re-aggravated his injury and was replaced by Alexandar Georgiev for precautionary reasons.... Read the full article

After season in minors, Ryan Johnson making case for roster spot with Sabres

BUFFALO – Right now, the Sabres possess so much notable depth that a strong argument can be made for keeping every bubble player left in training camp.

Center Tyson Kozak’s gritty, mature style grabbed the Sabres’ attention during his 21-game look last season. Josh Dunne’s heavy game might fit nicely on the fourth line. Dunne, one of the AHL’s best all-around centers, has a one-way contract this season.

Goalie Alexandar Georgiev led the NHL in ... Read the full article