Luukkonen - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres dismantle Kings as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen joins elite company with fourth shutout

BUFFALO – Perhaps the most of emphatic of the Sabres’ 23 victories this disappointing season served as another reminder of just how dynamically they’re capable of performing.

On Tuesday, the Sabres annihilated the reeling Los Angeles Kings before an excited crowd of 13,292 fans in KeyBank Center, pouncing on them early and never letting up.

They imposed their will on the Kings, embarrassing them all night.... Read the full article

After recall, Sabres goalie Eric Comrie confident, happy in backup role

BUFFALO – During his four-game stint in the minors, Sabres goalie Eric Comrie decided to let go of everything.

Good game? Great, now get ready for the next one. Bad outing? Put it away and move on.

Before the Sabres waived him Dec. 31 and assigned him to the Rochester Americans, he said he would “try to force it” during his sporadic action serving as the backup or No. 3 goalie.

In the AHL, Comrie’s ... Read the full article

Amid trade speculation, Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt thriving: ‘I love it here’

BUFFALO – Center Casey Mittelstadt understands the trade speculation. The Sabres, after all, are mired in 14th place, a distant 12 points out of the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot. Changes will inevitably come.

“I mean, it’s a business, right?” he said of his future being discussed.

In the midst of a disappointing year, Mittelstadt, 25, has emerged as the Sabres’ leading scorer and perhaps their most consistent forward. As a restricted free agent ... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen playing at elite level, could be Sabres’ long-coveted franchise goalie

BUFFALO – Think about it, when was the last time the Sabres had a true No. 1 goalie? Not a guy playing well and earning most of the action, but a top-flight NHL starter who could be entrenched in the crease for years.

Linus Ullmark might’ve become that guy if he had re-signed here. Robin Lehner enjoyed some success but battled personal issues. Others have seen their performance – remember how well Jonas Enroth and ... Read the full article

Sabres dominate Stars, still lose: ‘Their goalie won that one for them’

BUFFALO – About 14 minutes into Tuesday’s 2-1 loss, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin grabbed center Casey Mittelstadt’s adroit pass just inside the left circle and quickly unleashed a shot on Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger.

The shaft of Oettinger’s stick nullified a splendid scoring chance, and when the puck fell from the netting above the glass, Dahlin caught it and spiked it in frustration.

“I thought he was like trying to throw it at me ... Read the full article

Goalie Devon Levi focused in Rochester, not worried about recall by Sabres

ROCHESTER – One start down, at least one to go for goalie Devon Levi. After making 16 saves in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss, the rookie is scheduled to play one of the Americans’ two weekend road games before the AHL breaks for its All-Star Classic.

Now, will Levi, 22, stay with the Amerks beyond this week?

The Buffalo Sabres, who sent Levi to the minors for extra work during their bye week and the NHL ... Read the full article

Sabres send Devon Levi to Rochester for work during break, recall goalie

The Sabres on Sunday loaned goalie Devon Levi to the Rochester Americans, a move that allows the rookie to practice and play during Buffalo’s bye week and the NHL All-Star break.

Buffalo also recalled goalie Eric Comrie, who has played five games for Rochester since clearing waivers earlier this month.

Since Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has emerged as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie, Levi, 22, has played sparingly. On Wednesday, Levi started his first NHL game since ... Read the full article

After roster move by Sabres, goalie Eric Comrie seizing chance in Rochester

ROCHESTER – For almost a year, Eric Comrie never felt comfortable in net. Every game, the goalie said, felt like a tryout for the Buffalo Sabres. He wondered if a bad goal allowed would cost him playing time or lead to a demotion.

“I always felt like I was the odd man out in that (three-goalie) situation, where if I had the bad game, it was like, ‘Well, you’re not going to see it for ... Read the full article

Sabres recall rookie Devon Levi from Rochester, send goalie to Amerks

As expected, rookie goalie Devon Levi’s latest stint with the Rochester Americans lasted one game.

The Sabres this morning recalled Levi, 22, from the Amerks and sent goalie Eric Comrie back to their AHL affiliate. Levi made 14 saves in Saturday afternoon’s 7-3 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds in Rochester, his first game action since Jan. 9.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s emergence as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie – the Finn has made five straight starts – ... Read the full article

Sabres end home stand with loss to Lightning; Don Granato confused by late penalty on Zach Benson

BUFFALO – When their six-game home stand began, the Sabres had an opportunity to ignite a run and roar into playoff contention. Instead, they blew perhaps their best chance to make up ground against their Eastern Conference foes.

The Sabres finished their longest stint at KeyBank Center this season 3-3-0. Kind of meh.

Overall, having gone 5-3-0 in their last eight outings, they’ve showcased improvement, most notably defensively. Still, they must make up seven points ... Read the full article