Okposo - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Comeback from concussion tougher than Sabres’ Kyle Okposo expected

BUFFALO – Kyle Okposo said he figured everything would be normal again. When the season started, the Sabres winger felt healthy. Five months had passed since a harrowing concussion hospitalized him.

Okposo thought he could immediately showcase the talents that made him an NHL All-Star last season, his first with the Sabres.

But Okposo, 29, struggled early, looking nothing like his old self.

The veteran mustered two assists in his first 10 games. ... Read the full article

Sabres emerge from break feeling good; Casey Nelson recalled

BUFFALO – Six days ago, the Sabres began their bye week on a rare high note, earning only their 11th win in 44 tries by beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1.

The Sabres, of course, fell out of the playoff race a long time ago. Still, the confidence the rare victory generated carried through the break.

When the Sabres convened for practice this morning, coach Phil Housley noticed his team’s jump.... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark savors rare NHL victory

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark experienced the thrill of earning an NHL victory long before making a career-high 44 saves in Thursday’s 3-1 triumph against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Ullmark won eight of his 20 appearances as a rookie two season ago, often showcasing the talents of a future No. 1 netminder.

But with Robin Lehner entrenched as the Sabres’ starter, Ullmark, 24, has spent two seasons developing in the AHL, where he ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Eichel honored by All-Star Game selection

BUFFALO – Two years ago, the NHL revamped its traditional All-Star Game, transforming the stale affair into a slick three-on-three tournament featuring six divisional squads.

The league also added a $1 million incentive for the winning team, a prize center Jack Eichel, the Sabres’ lone All-Star, said “brings a little more energy to the event.”... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark to start; Zach Bogosian out 4 to 6 weeks

BUFFALO – Why not try something different, right? The reeling Sabres have lost five straight games and 33 of their 43 outings this season.

Starting goalie Linus Ullmark tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets is worth a try.

Sabres coach Phil Housley, who criticized his goaltending in Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to Winnipeg, said Ullmark will receive his first NHL nod since last season’s finale.

... Read the full article

Winter Classic experience gives Sabres taste of big time

NEW YORK – For a few days at least, the Winter Classic allowed the last-place Buffalo Sabres to experience the NHL’s grand stage.

Everything about the outdoor game, the league’s signature non-playoff event, is big. The Sabres, seven years removed from their last playoff appearance, haven’t been in the spotlight for a long time.

So the Sabres’ time here, which culminated with Monday afternoon’s 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers before a packed ... Read the full article

Sabres Winter Classic notes: Sam Reinhart scores huge goal

NEW YORK – In his NHL and major junior career, winger Sam Reinhart has scored 166 goals, including 46 with the Buffalo Sabres.

Reinhart’s power-play goal in Monday afternoon’s Winter Classic, his first score in 17 games dating back to Nov. 22, might’ve been the biggest of his career.

Fifty-three seconds into the second period, Reinhart potted a loose puck beside New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist as he fell down, capitalizing after Kyle Okposo ... Read the full article

Sabres have become tight-knit group

BUFFALO – During Wednesday’s practice, Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian experienced what he called a “Bogo moment.”

“I fell on the ice and everyone started laughing,” Bogosian said Thursday. “We always give each other a hard time.”

Actually, it was a little funnier than a simple spill.

“Bogo went headfirst into the boards,” Sabres winger Kyle Okposo said. “I was cracking up.”

The affable Bogosian, who always seems to be smiling, said he enjoyed the post-tumble ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Reinhart promoted to top line with Jack Eichel

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-0 loss, Sam Reinhart’s 12th straight goalless game, the struggling Sabres winger barely skated 11 minutes.

With the Sabres down one goal, Reinhart, who was demoted to the fourth line against the Boston Bruins, played just over two minutes in the third period.

Reinhart has been struggling all month, compiling just one assist during his goal drought.

So is the next next step moving Reinhart, 22, to the press box? Nope.... Read the full article

Sabres hear cheers in rare home win

BUFFALO – The Sabres have played 42 periods at home this season, and based on their awful 4-9-1 record at KeyBank Center, the majority of them have been poor or downright awful.

In their last home outing before Tuesday’s 3-2 victory, the Sabres, like so many times this season, got booed off the ice by their surly fans.

That’s why the roar from the announced crowd of 17,454 following a three-goal second period against the ... Read the full article