Mittelstadt - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Jake McCabe, Brandon Montour ready to play, but lineup still unclear

Jack McCabe and Brandon Montour have been cleared to play, so the Buffalo Sabres defensemen will be in tonight’s lineup against the New York Islanders, right?

Well, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger wouldn’t reveal if McCabe and Montour, both of whom tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, will play.

“It doesn’t really give us any advantage to reveal our final decisions,” Krueger said on a Zoom call following this morning’s optional skate at KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tobias Rieder returns to lineup, Buffalo adds new players

BUFFALO – When Sabres winger Tobias Rieder learned earlier this month he had tested positive for COVID-19, the news shocked him.

The German felt fine. He figured the result couldn’t be correct.

“But sure enough, a couple hours after I could feel the symptoms,” Rieder said prior to Monday’s 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders at KeyBank Center, the Sabres’ first outing since Jan. 31.

Rieder, 28, said he experienced “a rough couple days.” ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger returns to Sabres: ‘Time to realize how lethal this COVID is’

BUFFALO – Ralph Krueger only stayed on the ice about 15 minutes. After the Sabres coach chatted with several players and exchanged some fist-bumps, he left and watched Sunday’s practice from the KeyBank Center stands.

But just having an opportunity to touch the ice for a spell and enjoy some brief interactions helped recharge Krueger, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 4.

“Just this morning, when the players arrived and we passed each other, ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin added to COVID-related absences list; Sabres plan to practice

On Monday morning, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin became the ninth Buffalo Sabres player added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list. Hours later, the league postponed two more of the team’s games.

In a best-case scenario, if the Sabres can play their next scheduled contest in six days, they will have gone 15 days between games and have six they must make up.

Of course, that is a big if. So far, the league has removed ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt added to COVID-related absences list

Forward Casey Mittelstadt on Sunday became the eighth Buffalo Sabres player the NHL has added to its COVID-19 protocol-related absences list.

In addition, the Sabres announced Thursday that coach Ralph Krueger, 61, had tested positive for COVID-19 and would enter the NHL’s protocol.

On Saturday, Sabres forwards Dylan Cozens and Curtis Lazar joined the COVID-19 list. Wingers Taylor Hall and Tobias Rieder and defensemen Jake McCabe, Brandon Montour and Rasmus Ristolainen were added earlier ... Read the full article

Why did Ralph Krueger hide Sabres’ lines from Lindy Ruff, Devils?

BUFFALO – In Sunday afternoon’s pregame warm-up, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger showcased the same lines he had utilized the previous day against the New Jersey Devils, with one exception.

Casey Mittelstadt, who was replacing Tage Thompson, skated at left wing beside top center Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson.

Then when Sunday’s contest started, Krueger changed three of four Sabres’ lines. Only one trio from warm-ups – center Cody Eakin, left wing ... Read the full article

Casey Mittelstadt impressing Sabres, could earn more game action

BUFFALO – Having spent the entire game skating on the fourth line, Casey Mittelstadt hardly seemed like a forward Sabres coach Ralph Krueger would utilize in the waning seconds of a one-goal game.

Mittelstadt, 22, was only making his second appearance this season in Sunday afternoon’s 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils. The Sabres had just elevated him from the taxi squad earlier in the day.

Krueger had two former 40-goal scorers – Jeff ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Rasmus Ristolainen wreaking havoc on power play

BUFFALO – As a defenseman, Rasmus Ristolainen understands how a big body in front of the net can be a weapon during a power play.

“If some other teams, they have some good net-front presence, I know how hard it is to play when there’s guys standing in front of the net screening (the) goalie all the time,” the Sabres veteran said after scoring a power-play goal in Sunday afternoon’s 5-3 loss to the New ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Casey Mittelstadt from taxi squad; Sam Reinhart out again

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled Casey Mittelstadt this morning from the taxi squad, so the forward will play in this afternoon’s game against the New Jersey Devils, right?

Well, while Mittelstadt is back on the roster, coach Ralph Krueger wouldn’t reveal his lineup, including today’s starting goalie. He said 13 forwards and seven defensemen will skate in the pregame warm-up inside KeyBank Center.

Update: Mittelstadt warmed up at left wing beside top center Jack Eichel ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Matt Irwin ready for opportunity on blue line

BUFFALO – Over the last few years, Sabres newcomer Matt Irwin has morphed from a regular into his team’s seventh defenseman.

After playing a career-high 70 times in 2016-17, Irwin cracked the 50-game mark just once in the next three years. Last season, which he spent with the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks, he played a career-low 36 contests.

But Irwin, 33, has learned to embrace the role of an extra defender and the challenges ... Read the full article