Mittelstadt - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Cancellation of AHL season means lost opportunities for Amerks

In what would be the final days of the American Hockey League season, coach Chris Taylor drew confidence from the maturity his Rochester Americans began showcasing.

To Taylor, the Amerks’ response to some rare adversity – they endured losing streaks of seven and four games in the winter – illustrated his players had become equipped to handle the highs and lows of a long, grinding season.

“They weren’t getting as frustrated as you think that ... Read the full article

AHL cancels rest of 2019-20 season; Amerks finish in second place

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the American Hockey League to cancel the remainder of its 2019-20 season.

“After a lengthy review process, the American Hockey League has determined that the resumption and completion of the 2019-20 season is not feasible in light of current conditions,” AHL president Dave Andrews said in a statement released this morning. “The League’s operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season. We are very grateful to the ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Jason Botterill would like to add forward before trade deadline

BUFFALO – Even after acquiring Michael Frolik earlier this month, Sabres general manager Jason Botterill would like to add another forward before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

The Sabres’ depth up front, of course, was weak before Vladimir Sobotka and Tage Thompson both suffered season-ending injuries in November.

Right now, Victor Olofsson is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Evan Rodrigues has been a huge disappointment, scoring just two goals and often sitting out as a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Marcus Johansson says he hasn’t felt like himself all season

BUFFALO – Even during the opening weeks of the season, as Marcus Johansson scored goals and solidified himself as the Sabres’ No. 2 center, his play irked him.

“I didn’t feel like myself with the puck and stuff like that,” said Johansson, who scored four goals and seven points in the first nine games. “I mean, sometimes you still get points and the team wins. You kind of don’t think about it as much.”

These ... Read the full article

Sabres believe Casey Mittelstadt has right attitude to thrive with Amerks

TORONTO – On Sunday, a day off for the Buffalo Sabres, general manager Jason Botterill and coach Ralph Krueger summoned center Casey Mittelstadt to KeyBank Center to inform him he was being demoted to the Rochester Americans.

After Mittelstadt, 21, got over the initial shock and disappointment of getting sent to the minors – “It’s always an emotional conversation,” Botterill said Monday – he asked what he must to do return to the NHL.

“He ... Read the full article

Sabres demoted Casey Mittelstadt to Amerks to play games

BUFFALO – On Sunday, a day off for the Sabres, general manager Jason Botterill and coach Ralph Krueger summoned center Casey Mittelstadt to KeyBank Center to inform him he was being demoted.

After Mittelstadt, 21, got over the initial shock and disappointment of getting sent to the Rochester Americans for the first time, Botterill said the youngster quickly asked what he must to do return to the NHL.

“He is a mature guy, he is ... Read the full article

Sabres send struggling Casey Mittelstadt to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres sent center Casey Mittelstadt, who has been a healthy scratch three of the last four games, to the Rochester Americans today.

While Mittelstadt, 21, has never played in the AHL, the demotion wasn’t exactly surprising.

Mittelstadt has struggled in his second full NHL season, compiling only four goals, nine points and a minus-5 rating in 31 games while often looking lost defensively.

The former eighth overall pick has mustered just ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Zach Bogosian healthy scratch as Rasmus Dahlin returns

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian, a healthy scratch for Thursday’s 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators, has requested a trade, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

The oft-injured Bogosian, 29, is in the final year of a contract that pays him $6 million this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent following the season.

Bogosian underwent offseason hip surgery and made his season debut Nov. 24. He played 10 straight games before Thursday.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian to be healthy scratch; Rasmus Dahlin might play

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian, who has played 10 straight games since returning from offseason hip surgery last month, will be a healthy scratch tonight against the Nashville Predators.

Does that mean defenseman Rasmus Dahlin will return after missing eight games with a concussion? Sabres coach Ralph Krueger wouldn’t say. Dahlin practiced Wednesday.

“It was good to get some contact, wake up a little,” Dahlin said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “You feel ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin practices, could be close to returning from concussion

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, out the last eight games with a concussion, practiced today on a regular pairing and also manned a point on the top power play.

So, could Dahlin, 19, return Thursday against the Nashville Predators?

“There’s a definitely a step in the right direction,” Krueger said inside KeyBank Center. “We’re just going to assess him and wanted to see him in his customary role and see how he looks. ... Read the full article