Murray - Buffalo Hockey Beat

With lineup weakened, Sabres look to Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak and others

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-2 win, Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker, two of the Sabres’ top wingers, each played about three minutes under their season averages.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators he believed the virus that has recently run through the team was no longer a problem.

Two hours before the contest, the Sabres recalled center Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans. Dunne and defenseman Jacob Bryson ... Read the full article

Before trade to Senators, Dylan Cozens wanted to find solution with Sabres

BUFFALO – Center Dylan Cozens, one of the Sabres’ core assets just a few weeks ago, emerged from the visiting dressing room clad in black, red and gold gear and walked to a backdrop adorned with logos of the Ottawa Senators.

Then Cozens, sporting a backwards baseball hat and his customary smile, began answering questions about the deadline trade that sent him to the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rival.

“It still really doesn’t feel real ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris frustrated by injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – The Sabres and Josh Norris want to be smart about his mid-body injury, so while the newcomer marked tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators on the calendar after they recently traded him, he won’t rush back for it.

If everything goes well, then perhaps Norris, 25, will be ready for next Tuesday’s game in Ottawa.

That, of course, is a big if.

Tonight’s game will be the sixth straight contest the center has ... Read the full article

For Sabres’ Brett Murray, Rochester has become second home

BUFFALO – Winger Brett Murray’s prospect status expired a year or two ago. At 26, six seasons into his pro career, he has established himself as one of the Rochester Americans’ top scorers and a respected young veteran.

Recalls to the NHL, however, have been infrequent. He played two games last season. Zero in 2022-23.

Monday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins marked his first appearance with the Sabres in 15 months and just ... 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

Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich in concussion protocol as JJ Peterka nears return

BUFFALO – Center Jiri Kulich, who left Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 shootout win after getting hit in the head, is in concussion protocol and did not accompany the Sabres to Boston, where they begin a four-game road trip tonight against the Bruins.

The rookie could eventually join the team.

“That could be tomorrow,” Ruff said following Sunday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “It’s a day-by-day (situation) to see where it’s at.”

Kulich left Saturday’s game after Vegas ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich’s emergence factor in Sabres waiving Nicolas Aube-Kubel; Buffalo makes recall

BUFFALO – As winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel struggled after returning from an early-season knee injury, rookie Jiri Kulich established himself as one of the Sabres’ top forwards, entrenching himself in the NHL.

Right now, Kulich, 20, is centering the Sabres’ top line.

Then early last month, center Tyson Kozak, 22, made an immediate impact in his first NHL action, scoring a goal and showcasing a tenacious style.

As he kept being scratched – he had ... Read the full article

After mistake, Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius dazzles for Rochester

ROCHESTER – Before Americans coach Mike Leone talked about how center Konsta Helenius’ soft hands and terrific vision created the tying goal, he brought up a mistake the rookie made early in Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Hershey Bears.

“Yeah, there were some things, though,” Leone said following the game in Blue Cross Arena.

Just 4:40 into the contest, Helenius’ turnover helped Hershey open the scoring. When the Buffalo Sabres prospect returned to the ... Read the full article

Three years after trade, Sabres’ Peyton Krebs trying to reinvent himself

BUFFALO – During practices, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has noticed Peyton Krebs possesses the skill to make what he called “special plays.” Of course, having registered 20 goals and 66 points in his career, the center only occasionally showcases that talent in games.

In Krebs, 23, Ruff sees a player trying to figure things out. When the Vegas Golden Knights drafted him 17th overall in 2019 and the Sabres acquired him almost three years ago ... Read the full article

Sabres assign six players to Rochester Amerks after clearing waivers

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday assigned six players to the Rochester Americans after they cleared waivers.

Goalie Felix Sandstrom, defenseman Colton Poolman and Jack Rathbone and forwards Josh Dunne, Mason Jobst and Brett Murray have all joined the Sabres’ AHL affiliate.

All six players received an extended looking during NHL training camp because Buffalo’s regular team traveled to Europe last week for its season-opening trip.... Read the full article