Myers - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Jacob Bryson filled with confidence; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – In his five-year, 218-game NHL career, Sabres defenseman Jacob Bryson has never felt this good.

“I think confidence-wise, I feel my best,” Bryson said following Thursday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “I’ve been getting good feedback, and every time I watch my shifts I’ve thought I’ve had pretty good games.”

Of course, the 5-foot-9, 177-pound Bryson, like any player, has occasionally struggled. In last Saturday’s 4-2 road win over the San Jose Sharks, he ... Read the full article

Sabres generate offense, still lose to Canucks; Mattias Samuelsson leaves game with head injury

BUFFALO – In the second period of Saturday afternoon’s 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Sabres had just three defensemen available, so they utilized winger Zemgus Girgensons on the back end for a few shifts.

The Sabres, of course, started the game with six defensemen. But 13 seconds into the second period, Filip Hronek elbowed Mattias Samuelsson in the head, knocking him into concussion protocol out of the contest. At 4:02, J.T. Miller elbowed ... Read the full article

Calder Trophy: Sabres D Owen Power’s rookie year dynamic by any measure

BUFFALO – Throughout Sabres defenseman’s Owen Power’s terrific rookie season, his age often accompanied any mention of his exploits.

Can you believe the important minutes Power plays as a 20-year-old? Look at the poise and smarts he possesses for a 20-year-old.

Forget about his age, coach Don Granato said. Power’s first season was dynamic by any standard.

“What he did, 30-year-old guys in the league that have played 10, 12, 13 years can’t do,” ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Owen Power named finalist for Calder Trophy

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power on Wednesday was named one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s rookie of the year.

Power, 20, enjoyed a dynamic season, stepping into the lineup and providing an immediate impact. He led all rookies in ice time per game (23:48) and total ice minutes (1,880:20), the fifth- and seventh-highest figures, respectively, since the league began tracking the stat 25 years ago.

The 6-foot-6, 218-pound Power ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Sam Reinhart’s presence in circle boosting power play

BUFFALO – Long before he developed into a terrific net-front presence in the NHL, Sabres winger Sam Reinhart operated from the circle on the power play.

“It’s a pretty normal spot,” Reinhart said after scoring a power-play goal from the left circle in Saturday afternoon’s 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks inside KeyBank Center.

After moving back there earlier this month, Reinhart has looked comfortable, scoring on two one-timers.

Those goals, believe it or not, ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin enjoyed one of Sabres’ greatest rookie seasons ever

BUFFALO – Rookie seasons like the one Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin just enjoyed don’t come along very often.

At 18, the Swede quickly morphed into one of the Sabres’ most valuable players, taking over games with his dynamic puck-moving skills and producing offense at a historic rate.

Only one defenseman in NHL history – former Sabres star Phil Housley, who recorded 57 points as an 18-year-old in 1982-83 – compiled more points before his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin named finalist for Calder Trophy

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is among three finalists for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, the league announced today.

St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington and Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson were also named with Dahlin.

Dahlin, 19, enjoyed a terrific season, leading all rookie defensemen with 44 points. The Swede’s 35 assists ranked second among all first-year players. So did the 21 minutes, 9 seconds of ice time ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Zach Bogosian injury gives Matt Hunwick opportunity

BUFFALO – Since recovering from a neck injury that sidelined him the first 33 games this season, Sabres defenseman Matt Hunwick’s action has been extremely limited.

After playing two straight contests before Christmas, Hunwick, 33, watched 13 consecutive games as a healthy scratch.

Following a strong outing Jan. 29, Hunwick sat out another five games until Sunday afternoon, when Zach Bogosian’s lower-body injury – coach Phil Housley said he is day-to-day – pressed him ... Read the full article

Sabres could have special rookie class

BUFFALO – Right away, the rookie’s skill set – the heavy shot, soft hands and slick speed – wowed Sabres winger Kyle Okposo.

To Okposo, a 10-year NHL veteran, the newcomer “seems to have all the tools” to succeed at hockey’s highest level.

“His release is, I mean, he scored a few goals just kind of in informal skates that just kind of make your eyes open, for sure,” Okposo said Wednesday following a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Gorges will think about future after decompressing

BUFFALO – Right now, Josh Gorges isn’t thinking about hockey. Following the roughest season of his 13-year career, the Sabres defenseman is decompressing by spending time with his family.

Gorges, 33, needs to get away for a bit. At the right time, the graying veteran, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, plans to evaluate his uncertain future.

“Kind of see what’s in store,” he said Monday as the Sabres cleaned out their ... Read the full article