Malenstyn - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Memorable Sabres season ends with OT loss to Canadiens in Game 7: ‘It hurts’

BUFFALO – When the dressing room door opened after the Sabres’ gut-wrenching 3-2 overtime loss in Game 7 on Monday, winger Alex Tuch was sitting in his stall, still wearing his No. 89 jersey and pondering things following what could be his final appearance wearing the Blue and Gold.

Across the room, captain Rasmus Dahlin spoke quietly to the media, his emotion still raw barely 20 minutes after Montreal Canadiens winger Alex Newhook scored from ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres rally from early deficit to stun Canadiens, force Game 7: ‘Our captain steps up’

MONTREAL – In the moment, the score meant nothing to the Buffalo Sabres. That they faced an early two-goal deficit after captain Rasmus Dahlin scored 32 seconds into the do-or-die contest, well, so be it.

If they maintained their focus on Saturday against the Canadiens, they told themselves, and kept doing the right things in the hostile Bell Centre, they would be rewarded.

“We actually liked our game to start,” winger Jason Zucker said after ... Read the full article

Sabres change lineup, mix up lines for Game 6 against Canadiens

MONTREAL – The Buffalo Sabres made one lineup change for tonight’s do-or-die contest against the Canadiens, inserting rookie defenseman Zach Metsa and scratching veteran Luke Schenn for Game 6 of the second-round series.

Metsa, 27, made his debut in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He sat out the first 11 games as a healthy scratch.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has lauded Metsa’s decision-making ability and how he breaks the puck out.... Read the full article

In need of spark, Sabres turn to rookie Konsta Helenius versus Canadiens

MONTREAL – A week ago, shortly after center Konsta Helenius arrived in Buffalo to serve as a Black Ace, the Sabres promoted the rookie to the main practice group.

While the Sabres boast depth up front, Helenius, who turned 20 on Monday, is a high-end young talent. By moving him up, they illustrated he could be an option during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

On Tuesday, in Game 4 of the Sabres’ second-round series, Helenius made ... Read the full article

Plenty of changes: Sabres expected to start Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and insert veteran and rookie

MONTREAL – Based on their morning skate, the Buffalo Sabres plan to make three lineup changes tonight for Game 4 of their second-round series against the Canadiens, including switching goalies to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

After the losing the last two games by a combined score of 11-3, the Sabres, who trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, also plan to dress rookie center Konsta Helenius and veteran defenseman Luke Schenn, a two-time Stanley Cup winner who offers ... Read the full article

As struggling Sabres look for answers, Lindy Ruff could change lineup

MONTREAL – In October, just a few games into the season, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff might offer little or no information about his lineup. So right now, in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he’s not going to divulge anything.

The Sabres, having fallen behind 2-1 to the Canadiens in the best-of-seven series and been outscored 11-3 in losing the last two games, might be ready to change some things for Game 4 ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Buffalo changes lineup by inserting Sam Carrick; Beck Malenstyn keeps playing after cut

MONTREAL – Buffalo Sabres center Sam Carrick, who made his NHL debut way back in 2014-15, had only experienced the Stanley Cup Playoffs once prior to this season.

Two years ago, after Edmonton acquired him before the trade deadline, he played 10 games during the Oilers’ run to Game 7 of the Cup final.

Carrick served as a depth piece, moving in and out of the lineup.... Read the full article

Sabres expect Bell Centre atmosphere to be raucous; Buffalo could make one lineup change

MONTREAL – How crazy might it get tonight inside the Bell Centre?

The NHL’s largest rink becomes raucous on a weeknight in November. How loud might the more than 21,000 fans get for Game 3 of the second-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs between their beloved Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres?

“Our building’s been great,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said this morning in the 4 Seasons Hotel Montreal. “I think theirs will be equal, ... Read the full article

After loss to Canadiens, Sabres regroup, change power play: ‘Shake it up’

MONTREAL – The Buffalo Sabres experienced this earlier in the postseason. Fresh off an emotional Game 1 win at home, they followed up with a lousy performance, allowing their opponent to tie the series before they hit the road.

Against the Bruins, the Sabres showcased an emphatic response following a tough loss, winning the next two games in Boston and seizing control of the series.

So, what might happen tonight and Tuesday against the Canadiens ... Read the full article

Two years after trade, Sabres’ Bowen Byram earning place among NHL’s elite defensemen

BUFFALO – In watching Bowen Byram elevate his play and morph into one of the most dynamic performers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin has noticed the defenseman possesses a special attitude.

“You just see he’s got that F-you mentality on the ice,” Dahlin said. “He’s a hell of a competitor. … He just goes in to every game with no respect, just doing his own thing, and team is kind of ... Read the full article