Miller - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Alex Lyon sets consecutive wins record as Sabres continue torrid run

BUFFALO – When the Sabres signed goalie Alex Lyon as a free agent last summer, they likely envisioned an important but secondary role for the veteran journeyman.

In addition to serving as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s backup, he could push the Finn and provide some internal competition, perhaps steal some playing time.

The Sabres thought highly enough of Lyon, a fierce competitor, that they awarded him a two-year, $3 million contract.... Read the full article

After tying 49-year-old record, Sabres goalie Alex Lyon enjoys special chat with Gerry Desjardins

BUFFALO – Early Sunday, less than a day after Sabres goalie Alex Lyon tied the franchise’s all-time record for most consecutive wins, his phone rang. On the other end, Gerry Desjardins, who had owned the mark for 49 years, wanted to chat.

For about the next 20 minutes, Lyon, 33, and Desjardins, 81, talked about the craft of goaltending and the unique mentality needed to play hockey’s most demanding position.

“It was interesting that we ... Read the full article

Sabres Hall call caught Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville off guard

BUFFALO – During a break in Thursday’s second period, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville were told to stand alongside Ryan Miller, their close friend and former Sabres teammate, as he addressed the crowd on the video boards.

Vanek said he figured he and Pominville would serve as Miller’s “hype guys” as he spoke.

When Miller began talking, it became clear what was happening.... Read the full article

Former Sabres star Maxim Afinogenov shares special moment with Lindy Ruff

BUFFALO – Other than a bit of a receding hairline, former winger Maxim Afinogenov looks pretty much like he did 20 or so years ago, when his slick exploits electrified Sabres fans.

Heck, Afinogenov looks like he could still lace up the skates and dazzle a bit, even at age 46. The Russian played until 2019-20 – he spent 10 seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League after leaving North America – before retiring.

The COVID-19 ... Read the full article

23 alumni scheduled to attend Sabres’ 2005-06 Reunion Night

Twenty-three members of the beloved Buffalo Sabres team that roared out of the lockout and stunned the NHL by earning 110-points and reaching the Eastern Conference final are scheduled to attend the 2005-06 Reunion Night on Jan. 15 against the Montreal Canadiens, the team has announced.

The talent-laden team, which fell one game short of reaching the Stanley Cup final, will be honored during a pregame celebration in KeyBank Center. Alumni are scheduled to make ... Read the full article

After trade to Sabres, Conor Timmins could have career-changing chance

BUFFALO – OK, time for a quick pop quiz, Sabres fans. Does defenseman Conor Timmins’ career goal total eclipse the number of teams he has played for since breaking into the NHL in 2019-20?

The answer, of course, is yes, although by a slim margin. Timmins, a native of nearby St. Catharines, Ontario, has scored six goals in his 159-game career and played for five teams. He has been traded four times, including twice earlier ... Read the full article

Kevyn Adams comfortable with Devon Levi and UPL, but will Sabres add veteran goalie in free agency?

BUFFALO – In each of the last two seasons, goalie Devon Levi cracked the NHL roster out of training camp only to be demoted by the Sabres in November.

While the Sabres occasionally recalled Levi, 23, he mostly stayed in Rochester, emerging as the Americans’ backbone and one of the AHL’s elite netminders.

Levi, having registered a 2.28 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in the minors, has made a strong case he’s ready to ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi feels ‘lucky’ to earn Budweiser can by holding Alex Ovechkin goalless

Buffalo Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi considers himself fortunate. In his one career appearance against Alex Ovechkin, the greatest goal scorer in NHL history never landed his wicked one-timer on net.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” joked Levi, who has spent most of this season starring for the Rochester Americans.

On Nov. 22, 2023, Levi made 26 saves in his 15th start for the Sabres, a 4-3 overtime road loss to Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals.... Read the full article

Sabres legend Ryan Miller happy in role as goalie scout and development coach with Sharks

ROCHESTER – Right now, Buffalo Sabres legend Ryan Miller is busy interviewing goalie prospects and writing reports, his final preparations for the NHL Draft.

Later this month, Miller, 44, will be in Texas watching prospects at the World Under-18 Junior Championship.

These days, Miller, who retired in 2021, works as a goalie scout and development coach for the San Jose Sharks. It’s a job, given his long and successful career and cerebral approach to hockey, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen making game-changing saves, finding form

BUFFALO – In earning his third win in his last four starts, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen enjoyed another light workload, facing just 19 shots in nearly 65 minutes of action in Monday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins.

Still, the Sabres’ first road victory since Jan. 21 stands out as one of the Finn’s most notable outings in recent months.

As he has endured an inconsistent and underwhelming campaign, only occasionally recapturing his dynamic ... Read the full article