Peca - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Why did Sabres rookie goalie Devon Levi choose No. 27?

BUFFALO – No. 1, which Sabres newcomer Devon Levi sported during his decorated college career at Northeastern, is worn by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, another rookie goalie.

So Levi, who signed his entry-level contract Friday, chose No. 27, digits that hold special meaning.

“(It) was my number of choice because growing up, it was my favorite number,” an excited Levi said Monday in KeyBank Center. “I feel like little me would be happy that I chose ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich displaying growth with Amerks; Vinnie Hinostroza playing big minutes in Rochester

ROCHESTER – The silver medal Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich recently earned at the World Junior Championship hasn’t changed his life much.

Of course, Kulich, 18, is proud to have scored the overtime goal against Sweden to send Czechia to its first gold medal game since 2001. But following what he called an “unbelievable” experience, he simply resumed his rookie season with the Americans.

If he had returned home earlier this month, he might’ve been ... Read the full article

Sabres rookies JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn share special chemistry, friendship

BUFFALO – Winger JJ Peterka scored perhaps the most scintillating of the Sabres’ 114 goals this season because he possessed the confidence to thread the puck through Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty.

Think about it, a rookie just 31 games into his NHL career believed he could beat a 15-year veteran and the 2015-16 Norris Trophy winner.

“He’s not afraid to try those things and he’s confident in his abilities to execute them,” Sabres ... Read the full article

Sabres unveil revamped black and red ‘Goathead’ third jersey

Having grown up a rabid Buffalo Sabres fan in the early 2000s, the team’s black and red “Goathead” jersey holds special meaning for winger Alex Tuch.

“Definitely my favorite jersey (of all-time),” a smiling Tuch said Monday after the Sabres unveiled a new black and red jersey modeled after the uniforms they wore from 1996 to 2006.

The Sabres, of course, also recently introduced a blue and gold Reverse Retro alternate white jersey with the ... Read the full article

Fresh off standout season in Rochester, Sean Malone could be in Sabres’ plans

BUFFALO – At times last season, center Sean Malone said coach Seth Appert would pull him aside and tell him, “You’re right there.”

In his return to the Sabres organization, the West Seneca native quickly seized a leading role in Rochester, developing into arguably the Americans’ most versatile presence.

Malone had become what he called a “bubble guy,” offering valuable depth. Sooner or later, a recall to the Sabres seemed inevitable.

“And then I ... Read the full article

Sabres bringing back popular black and red ‘Goathead’ as third jersey

The Buffalo Sabres are bringing back the popular black and red “Goathead” jersey for 12 home games this season, the team announced Wednesday.

Fans, of course, feel nostalgic about that logo and color scheme, which the Sabres wore from 1996 until 2006, when they switched back to a blue and gold motif.... Read the full article

Talented Sabres prospects JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn ready for duty in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Michael Peca sees Sabres prospect JJ Peterka as such a rare and special talent he refers to the German winger a “unicorn.” Seriously.

Peca, an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans, can’t think of a former teammate or opponent or find anyone in today’s game who resembles the type of player Peterka, 20, can become someday.

“He has no idea how good he can be yet, which is scary,” said Peca, a popular ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect JJ Peterka becoming dominant presence with Amerks

ROCHESTER – JJ Peterka could be one-and-done in the AHL. The Buffalo Sabres prospect just enjoyed the greatest offensive campaign in a teenage season since 1976. Over the weekend, the German winger was the most dynamic player in the Calder Cup Playoffs, recording five points, including a hat trick, in two Americans wins.

After a 28-goal, 68-point regular season, the excitement and pressure that accompanies postseason hockey has helped Peterka transform into a dominant presence.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Peyton Krebs on tear with Amerks, piling up points

ROCHESTER – At the end, after adding two more assists, Buffalo Sabres prospect Peyton Krebs showcased his underutilized shot, one-timing Sean Malone’s pass to secure the Americans’ fourth consecutive victory.

Wednesday’s overtime goal was just Krebs’ third shot on goal in the last four games. The winger, however, had recorded a whopping seven points in the last three contests entering Friday, six of them assists.

Amerks assistant coach Michael Peca, who subbed for coach ... Read the full article

With Casey Mittelstadt injured, could Sabres utilize JJ Peterka or Jack Quinn?

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Don Granato acknowledged that, yes, sometimes it can be hard to resist the temptation to recall one of the organization’s top prospects.

“There is a big temptation, yes, yes,” Granato said following Wednesday’s practice inside KeyBank Center. “When you go to Rochester and you see the skill level of those kids … there’s a big temptation that’s tough to fight at times.”

Having lost center Casey Mittelstadt to another upper-body injury ... Read the full article