Norris - 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

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

Sabres fight their way to shootout win over Golden Knights after Jiri Kulich injured: ‘We look like a real team’

BUFFALO – Tomas Hertl had the game-clinching goal on his stick, only open ice and an empty net ahead, when he decided to give former Sabres captain Jack Eichel another chance to tell the locals to buzz off.

Instead of shooting the puck from the right circle with 37 seconds left to give the Vegas Golden Knights a two-goal lead, the veteran backhanded it to Eichel in the slot.

Eichel, who had put Vegas up ... Read the full article

Following trade to Sabres, wait for visa, Jacob Bernard-Docker ready to go

BUFFALO – Before defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker could really join the Sabres, one issue had to be worked out.

As a Canadian joining an American team, he needed to have his visa approved. So after the Sabres acquired him in last Friday’s deadline trade that sent center Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators, he couldn’t participate in team-related activities.

“That was obviously made pretty clear at the border when I came through,” Bernard-Docker said following Friday’s ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris misses practice with injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – Sabres center Josh Norris missed Friday’s practice with an undisclosed injury he has been battling, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff did not have an update on Norris, who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators prior to last Friday’s trade deadline.

“He’s just being evaluated by our medical staff today,” Ruff said following the session in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

After trade, welcome from Seth Appert, Sabres’ Josh Norris getting comfortable

BUFFALO – The toughest day of Sabres center Josh Norris’ hockey life ended 1,500 miles from where it started, with a familiar face greeting him at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Eight years ago, Norris and Sabres assistant coach Seth Appert spent a memorable six weeks together at the US National Team Development Program.

Norris was in his final weeks of junior hockey and about to become a first-round pick by the San Jose Sharks ... Read the full article

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin strongly denies report he would ask for trade

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin processed the question and wanted a little clarification.

“Who?” Dahlin asked incredulously when he was told a member of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast said he would ask general manager Kevyn Adams for a trade if the last-place Sabres don’t improve.

When informed it was Paul Bissonnette, the Swede asked again.

“Who wants to be moved?” he asked.... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen helps Sabres beat Oilers, end winless skid

BUFFALO – Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has followed up a breakout season in which he established himself as the Sabres’ backbone and undisputed No. 1 with a pretty underwhelming campaign.

At times, he has briefly recaptured the dynamic form he showcased down the stretch last season that made him one of the NHL’s elite netminders.

Overall, however, Luukkonen has performed inconsistently, often failing to come up with the game-changing saves he did a year ago.... Read the full article