New York Rangers - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Alex Tuch’s impact felt on and off ice by Sabres during career-best season

BUFFALO – As the Sabres’ losing streak dragged on last month, winger Alex Tuch could see the struggles taking a toll on Don Granato.

In good times and bad, Granato usually maintains an even-keeled demeanor. But as the Sabres trudged through a wretched stretch in which they lost 10 of 12 games, the normally affable coach wasn’t smiling much.

So Tuch, 26, did something about it. Having developed a strong relationship with Granato – “He’s ... Read the full article

Rookie Devon Levi wows in NHL debut, backstops Sabres to OT win

BUFFALO – At the 18:30 mark of Friday’s second period, the New York Rangers penetrated the Sabres’ unusually stingy defense, generating a prime scoring opportunity on goalie Devon Levi.

To that point, Levi, 21, had seen little action – he faced just two shots in the first period – during his highly anticipated NHL debut.

Prior to the Sabres’ thrilling 3-2 overtime win, coach Don Granato said he believed the rookie’s presence would force his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Quinn elevating game late in season, earning trust

BUFFALO – The subtle plays Sabres rookie Jack Quinn often makes belie his limited experience and showcase his growing maturity.

To wit: Sabres coach Don Granato said the winger has learned how to utilize his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame and absorb a hit by taking his stick off the puck.

He said Quinn, who gives up size to many opponents, might move a foot while the puck could slide about two feet. Still, it’s within reach.... Read the full article

Years before NHL debut, Sabres goalie Devon Levi earned big win in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Long before goalie Devon Levi joined the Sabres, he earned what he called one of the biggest wins of his life here.

“Even though I was a little kid,” said an excited Levi, who will be making his highly anticipated NHL debut tonight against the New York Rangers.

Levi was 13 to be exact, in the infancy of his career. He had tried out and been cut from an East Coast Selects team ... Read the full article

Sabres injuries: Mattias Samuelsson, Tage Thompson could play Friday

BUFFALO – When Sabres goalie Devon Levi makes his highly anticipated NHL debut Friday against the New York Rangers, he could be playing behind a full lineup.

Sabres coach Don Granato said following today’s practice at KeyBank Center that defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, center Tage Thompson and winger Jordan Greenway will all be game-time decisions. The three regulars have been recovering from upper-body injuries.

Samuelsson practiced today for the first time since getting injured March 11. ... Read the full article

Sabres end critical week with OT loss to Rangers: ‘We need to play that way’

BUFFALO – The Sabres ended the most critical week of their season having lost all four games and earned just a single point.

With barely a month left, they’ve dropped seven points behind out of a wild card spot and have two other teams ahead of them. Right now, the chances of them roaring up the standings and ending their 11-year playoff drought are slim.

Still, fresh off Saturday afternoon’s 2-1 overtime loss, a game ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Victor Olofsson experiencing up-and-down, career-best season

BUFFALO – Victor Olofsson refused to celebrate the end of his 15-game goal drought. The Sabres winger did not skate to the bench for the customary fist bumps from his teammates or even raise his stick.

Olofsson scored for the first time since Jan. 26 with the Sabres trailing by six goals late in Thursday’s embarrassing 10-4 home loss to the Dallas Stars.

The Swede wasn’t exactly giddy.

“But it’s always nice to score and ... Read the full article

Sabres feel they can learn from blowout loss to Stars

BUFFALO – Right now, the moments are often proving to be too big for the Sabres as they pursue their first playoff spot since 2011.

A team comprised of mostly 20-somethings and neophytes enters this afternoon’s game against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center reeling, having lost three straight games and five out of the last six.

Thursday’s embarrassing 10-4 loss to the Dallas Stars ranks as one of the Sabres’ worst losses in ... Read the full article

After 11 years in minors, Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski earning keep in NHL

BUFFALO – Dustin Tokarski has accomplished something unusual. Goalies in their 30s more than four seasons removed from their last NHL game rarely return to the big leagues.

Tokarski, 32, not only made it back, he has stuck with the Sabres for more than a year.

Since relieving an injured Carter Hutton on March 22, 2021, Tokarski has played 35 games, including a career-high 22 this season. In his first 11 pro seasons, he made ... Read the full article

NHL admits Sabres’ late goal against Rangers should’ve counted

The NHL this afternoon acknowledged disallowing winger Victor Olofsson’s goal with 56.2 seconds left in Friday’s 2-1 loss was the incorrect call.

An offside review from the Situation Room in Toronto negated the Buffalo Sabres’ game-tying goal against the New York Rangers.

In a statement, NHL senior executive vice president Colin Campbell said there was no conclusive evidence Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was offside.... Read the full article