Peterka - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres roar back late to beat Penguins, looking like playoff contender

BUFFALO – Ten games and seven wins into a new season, the Sabres look like they’ve already grabbed their spot among the Eastern Conference’s heavyweights.

The Sabres didn’t just beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Wednesday; they roared back from a two-goal, third-period deficit for the second time in three contests.

In extending their winning streak to three games, the Sabres shook off a weak start, sending the reeling Penguins to their sixth consecutive loss ... Read the full article

Sabres expect ‘angry’ Penguins team; Eric Comrie starts again

BUFFALO – The Pittsburgh Penguins limped into town this morning in the midst of one of their worst stretches in recent memory.

In Tuesday’s 6-5 home loss to the Boston Bruins, they blew three-goal second-period lead before falling in overtime. At least the Penguins earned a point, ending their four-game regulation losing streak.

They lost every game of their western road trip late last month, scoring just six goals.... Read the full article

Ilya Lyubushkin out again; Sabres plan to add new defenseman

BUFFALO – After forward Riley Sheahan clears waivers or is claimed this afternoon, the Sabres plan to recall a defenseman from the Rochester Americans.

“We’re banged up on the back end and that’s the need, pressing need right now,” Sabres coach Don Granato said this morning.

Right now, having lost three defensemen – Henri Jokiharju, Ilya Lyubushkin and Mattias Samuelsson are all injured – the Sabres sorely help.

Their options, however, are limited. They’ve already ... Read the full article

Defense injuries offer Kale Clague early opportunity with Sabres

BUFFALO – Having shuttled between the NHL and minors for four seasons, Sabres newcomer Kale Clague understand his role as a depth defenseman.

Despite enjoying a strong training camp, Clague, 24, started the season with the Rochester Americans as the eighth or ninth defenseman in the organization.

Given the rugged nature of the position, it seemed likely the Sabres would need Clague at some point, and sure enough, the Sabres recalled him on Sunday after ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Isak Rosen scores goal, enjoys impressive debut with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Americans winger Isak Rosen took off from the point, moving up as a penalty killer stumbled in his pursuit of defenseman Lawrence Pilut.

As Pilut fended off some hectoring, he fed the open Swede a soft pass in the right circle.

“Got it right into the wheelhouse,” Rosen said following Friday’s 4-2 win over the Toronto Marlies at Blue Cross Arena, his AHL debut.

The Sabres prospect unleashed a wicked one-timer, beating ... Read the full article

Craig Anderson dynamic in Sabres’ win: ‘Amazing to think he’s 41’

BUFFALO – After making some breakaway saves during the first 40 minutes of Thursday’s 4-1 win, 41-year-old Sabres goalie Craig Anderson said he told his teammates he usually stops 80 percent of those chances.

“So I’ve stopped four, the fifth one’s probably going in, so we should probably clean that up,” Anderson joked following his splendid 35-save performance in the season-opening victory over the Ottawa Senators.

Kidding aside, the NHL’s youngest team showcased maturity as ... Read the full article

Sabres don’t see Mattias Samuelsson’s contract as risky: ‘He is the antidote’

BUFFALO – The sample size is small, just 54 games over parts of two NHL seasons. Still, it was enough to convince the Sabres that defenseman Mattias Samuelsson deserved a seven-year, $30 million contract extension.

The massive deal, announced Wednesday shortly after the Sabres extended coach Don Granato’s contract, certainly raised some eyebrows.

But the Sabres don’t feel it’s a risky move. In the 6-foot-4, 227-pound Samuelsson, a top-pair defender, they believe they possess a ... Read the full article

Sabres excited to add JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn to roster: ‘They will acclimate’

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie JJ Peterka stood before the media in his sweat-soaked practice uniform, a smile etched on his face.

On Monday, general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka, 20, and Jack Quinn, 21, and informed them they had earned a spot in the Sabres’ opening night lineup.

Two years ago, after drafting Quinn eighth overall, Adams moved up to take Peterka with the 34th pick after the German surprisingly fell out of ... Read the full article

Sabres make moves, set 23-man roster; JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn stay in Buffalo

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Monday finalized their 23-man regular-season roster, sending goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and defenseman Lawrence Pilut to the minors and placing forward Riley Sheahan on injured reserve with a muscle injury.

That means wingers JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn, both of whom enjoyed dynamic rookie seasons with the Rochester Americans last year, have made the big club.

While Peterka did not stand out during training camp, the Sabres are confident he ... Read the full article

Lawrence Pilut, Chase Priskie and other D help Sabres upgrade depth

BUFFALO – The Sabres have likely known for months which seven defensemen will comprise their opening night roster.

Jacob Bryson, Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Jokiharju, Casey Fitzgerald, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson entrenched themselves on the blue line last season. In signing Ilya Lyubushkin in free agency, the Sabres added a gritty veteran presence they lacked.

But what about the rest of the defense corps? Given the rugged nature of the position, defensemen are always at ... Read the full article