Montreal Canadiens - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres newcomer Josh Doan displaying offensive growth: ‘Just seen a glimpse’

BUFFALO – At each level before he reached the NHL – junior, college and the AHL – Sabres winger Josh Doan showcased offensive growth in his second season.

With the Chicago Steel, he shook off a frustrating five-goal rookie year and scored 31 times. As a sophomore at Arizona State University, he upped his goal total from 12 to 16.

In his first taste of the pros, Doan registered three goals in 14 games for ... Read the full article

Sabres recall two players from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday recalled defenseman Zac Jones and center Noah Ostlund from the Rochester Americans.

In Saturday afternoon’s 3-0 win, defenseman Jacob Bryson entered concussion protocol after Florida Panthers winger Jonah Gadjovich hit him into the boards in the first period, knocking him out of the game.

The Sabres, who play a road game tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, did not practice Sunday. They had one extra forward, Josh Dunne, scratched against ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jacob Bryson dazzles in return to lineup: ‘Played a fearless game’

BUFFALO – Four minutes into Saturday’s second period, Sabres defenseman Jacob Bryson zoomed into the left corner in the Montreal zone and made quick work of Jake Evans, blocking his clearing attempt before outworking him for the puck.

Bryson knew a teammate had covered his position, so he skated behind the net and fed winger Alex Tuch, who beat Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes to tie the game at 1.

In his first action in 21 ... Read the full article

‘Brutal’ play late in second period costs Sabres in loss to Canadiens

BUFFALO – In the waning seconds of Saturday’s second period, with skaters at four per side following coincidental minors, the Sabres went into penalty-mode killing mode.

The Sabres looked timid as the Montreal Canadiens passed the puck around their zone, acting as if the visitors had a power play.

As the final seconds ticked down, Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson skated from the point into the right circle in front of Sabres winger Alex Tuch.

Instead ... Read the full article

With trade deadline approaching, Jason Zucker injured; Sabres to make lineup changes against Canadiens

BUFFALO – After blocking a shot last Saturday and crawling off the ice injured, Sabres winger Jason Zucker returned to the game and played again Tuesday.

Zucker, 33, seemed to be fine.

Well, not quite. The veteran will his miss his second straight game tonight with a lower-body injury.

What’s going on?

“He’s just having trouble with his injury,” coach Lindy Ruff said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens at ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi displaying dominance in Rochester after slump

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Devon Levi’s ability to embrace any adversity he experiences has enhanced his development with the Americans.

Levi, 23, has enjoyed a stellar run here over parts of two seasons, winning 66 percent of his games while emerging as one of the AHL’s elite goalies.

Still, like any second-year pro, he has felt some bumps. Last month, he lost back-to-back games in regulation for the first time.

In the second outing ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin close to playing; Buffalo makes lineup change

MONTREAL – Sitting in the press box watching the Buffalo Sabres lose game after game has been a difficult experience for captain Rasmus Dahlin.

“It’s horrible,” Dahlin, who has been battling back spasms, said after joining his teammates on the ice prior to Tuesday’s embarrassing 6-1 loss to the Canadiens. “It’s the worst thing, but I’m just happy where I am right now. It’s been a grind, but we figured it out and I’m in ... Read the full article

Owner Terry Pegula’s presence, words resonate with Sabres: ‘He’s passionate’

MONTREAL – Owner Terry Pegula’s words to his reeling Buffalo Sabres, losers of 10 straight games, will stay in the room, players said.

Still, some details of Monday’s meeting have been revealed, most notably Pegula expressing his belief in his players’ ability to find a solution and confidence in general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff, according to Daily Faceoff.

Ruff said Pegula’s presence during a difficult time resonated throughout the dressing room.... Read the full article

Time as healthy scratch helped Sabres’ Jack Quinn find legs, score two goals

MONTREAL – The most trying stretch of Jack Quinn’s career ended 63 seconds into Sunday afternoon’s 5-3 loss, when the Buffalo Sabres winger navigated to open space in the left circle, grabbed JJ Peterka’s pass and unleashed a wicked wrist shot.

Quinn needed 25 games, 44 shots on goal and was scratched six times before he beat a goalie for the first time this year.

“Just nice to see one go in, take some ... Read the full article

‘Humbled’ Sabres lose ugly contest to Canadiens, Tage Thompson to injury

BUFFALO – Almost five minutes into Monday afternoon’s ugly 7-5 loss to the Canadiens, Sabres center Tage Thompson grabbed a pass from linemate Alex Tuch inside the Montreal blue line and skated down the left wing.

Thompson cut to the net from the left circle, using one hand to fend off Canadiens star Cole Caufield and the other to guide the puck. When he reached the crease, Thompson, who later left the game injured, scored ... Read the full article