Luukkonen - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie to start again; Injured Devon Levi out tonight

BUFFALO – Fresh off a stellar 24-save outing in Saturday’s 3-1 win, Sabres goalie Eric Comrie will earn another nod tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.

Comrie, 28, hasn’t started back-to-back games since March 25 and 27.

After sitting out the first four games, he looked sharp throughout his season debut, making some critical saves before the Sabres pulled away from the New York Islanders.... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie to start first game; Devon Levi, Zach Benson out

BUFFALO – Even if Sabres rookie Devon Levi felt 100 percent, goalie Eric Comrie likely would’ve earned tonight’s start against the New York Islanders.

Levi, 21, played the first four games, a heavy workload for a youngster. He struggled a bit in Thursday’s 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames, allowing a weak go-ahead goal as the Sabres fell to 1-3-0.

Sooner or later, Comrie or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who have been alternating as the backup, needed ... Read the full article

Sabres rookies Zach Benson, Devon Levi miss practice with injuries

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Zach Benson and goalie Devon Levi both missed Friday’s practice because of lower-body injuries and are considered day to day, according to the team.

Both rookies finished Thursday’s 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

As goalie Devon Levi thrives as Sabres’ starter, Eric Comrie, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen wait for chance

BUFFALO – Having started all three games, Sabres goalie Devon Levi earned a well-deserved break Wednesday, giving Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen an opportunity to practice in their own net.

Levi usually patrols his own crease, so for the first time this season, they each faced their own shots and found a rhythm they wouldn’t have during a three-goalie session.

Carrying three netminders creates problems, including limited practice reps. Each day, Comrie, 28, and Luukkonen, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tyson Jost replaces Victor Olofsson; Jonas Johansson earns No. 1 job for Lightning

BUFFALO – In training camp, Sabres coach Don Granato said he believed winger Victor Olofsson would grow this year after having the summer to process his late-season struggles.

Over the years, Olofsson, 28, has shown he’s cognizant of his deficiencies and willing to evolve. Last season, despite losing his spot in the lineup late, he scored 21 even-strength goals, two more than he had in the previous two years combined.

But three games into the ... Read the full article

In locking up Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres put two ‘pillars in place’

BUFFALO – Scan through each NHL roster and try to pick out every so-called franchise defenseman. Most teams don’t have one.

In Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres possess two.

This week, Power and Dahlin each signed long-term contract extensions, ensuring two foundational pieces can remain teammates through the 2030-31 season.... Read the full article

In rookie Devon Levi, Sabres hope they have coveted franchise goalie

BUFFALO – Seven late-season games, that’s it. Just two weeks of NHL action following his arrival from college. That small sample size helped convince the Sabres rookie Devon Levi could be their No. 1 goalie.

While they haven’t officially named Levi, 21, their starter, he’s expected to earn the nod for tonight’s season opener against the New York Rangers, a team he beat twice last season, and carry the load throughout the season.

On Wednesday, ... Read the full article

After starring role as top center, Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt back in middle

BUFFALO – Through all the adversity he endured early in his career – a demotion, position switch, injuries and more – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt stayed ready, so when a special opportunity materialized late last season, he seized it.

“That’s easily said, but not often done,” Sabres coach Don Granato said earlier this week in KeyBank Center. “… To stay prepared for your opportunity in life – in this case, hockey – is a trait ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons excited for 11th season: ‘Got to see things through’

BUFFALO – When captain Kyle Okposo was contemplating returning for another season, he thought about what it would be like trying to lead the Sabres without Zemgus Girgensons, a popular heart-and-soul veteran.

“I didn’t even want to consider that,” Okposo said following Monday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “That’s how important he is.”

Girgensons’ influence has been a huge factor in the Sabres’ recent transformation into a legitimate playoff contender. The winger’s actions and professionalism ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie off to strong start, wants to stay with ‘special team’

BUFFALO – Eric Comrie had always battled for an opportunity, yo-yoing between the NHL and minors. So when the Sabres signed the goalie to his first big contract last year, guaranteeing him a spot, the expectations felt unusual.

Comrie, 28, said he put so much pressure on himself “it’s kind of like I hammered myself down.”

“I came here and I had a job, I’m like, ‘Holy smokes, I’m in a whole different spot,’” Comrie ... Read the full article