Quinn - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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

Canadiens spoil Lukas Rousek’s debut; Sabres’ Tage Thompson out with injury

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Eric Comrie sounded somber trying to explain Monday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Their two-game winning streak had ignited hope that perhaps they could make a late-season climb toward the second wild card spot that seemed so unlikely a week ago.

A victory over the Canadiens at KeyBank Center would’ve moved the Sabres to within one point of the struggling Florida Panthers and four points of the Pittsburgh Penguins, ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch breaks out in Sabres’ victory over Devils; Tage Thompson injured

BUFFALO – Following a fast start in his return from a two-week absence, Sabres winger Alex Tuch had endured one of his quietest stretches this season, registering just a single assist over a four-game stretch.

Meanwhile, Tage Thompson, Tuch’s center, had been uncharacteristically quiet this month, at least by his high standards, scoring only two goals in 10 outings.

Their struggles, of course, contributed heavily to the Sabres’ recent woes – a four-game losing streak ... Read the full article

Predators’ Rasmus Asplund knows he did not do enough to keep spot with Sabres

BUFFALO – As the season dragged on and Rasmus Asplund remained a spare part, he would often talk to Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Don Granato about his uncertain future.

For a year and a half, Asplund, 25, had enjoyed regular duty. Last season, the Swede emerged as a dependable two-way forward while playing a career-high 80 games.

The Sabres, however, beefed up their forward depth this season, adding rookies JJ Peterka and ... Read the full article

Sabres fall behind early, get clobbered by Bruins: ‘We believe we’re still in it’

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ regression over the past three weeks has been startling. After positioning themselves to compete for their first playoff spot in 12 years, they’ve imploded, dropping nine of their last 11 games.

The Sabres aren’t just losing; opponents are annihilating them. Sunday afternoon’s ugly 7-0 loss to the Boston Bruins marked the third time in their last 10 outings they’ve allowed seven or more goals and lost by at least six.

Since ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Brandon Biro quietly becoming elite AHL talent with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Last month, Buffalo Sabres prospect Brandon Biro approached Americans coach Seth Appert with a simple question: am I still playing well?

Biro, 25, had been on a tear nearly all season, scoring at more than a point per game clip. In December, he had six consecutive two-point outings and 16 points in 10 contests.

Then, suddenly, the center hit an offensive rut when the calendar turned to 2023. He endured a seven-game point ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch scores twice in return, helps Sabres roar back to beat Maple Leafs

TORONTO – Realistically, if the Buffalo Sabres couldn’t defeat the Maple Leafs on Monday, their faint playoff hopes were likely over.

They had been reeling, and the same team that briefly grabbed the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot late last month fell seven points behind as it lost four straight games and six of its last seven.

The Sabres must go on a late-season run, and in a hurry. Well, Monday’s 4-3 come-from-behind victory ... Read the full article

As Alex Tuch nears return, Sabres lose top D Mattias Samuelsson, Rasmus Dahlin to injuries

BUFFALO – Following a rough week in which they lost four straight games and their top two defensemen, the Sabres sorely needed a boost like the return of high-scoring winger Alex Tuch.

The Sabres have struggled without Tuch, losing six of the eight games he has missed recovering from a lower-body injury. They’re in danger of falling out of the playoff race, and now Mattias Samuelsson and Rasmus Dahlin have each suffered upper-body injuries.

So ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jordan Greenway moves to top line; Riley Stillman returns

BUFFALO – In moving gritty newcomer Jordan Greenway up to right wing beside center Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner, coach Don Granato has given the Sabres’ No. 1 line an intriguing new physical element.

The 6-foot-6, 231-pound Greenway, 26, can wear down opposing defensemen. The Dallas Stars, Thursday’s opponent, know him well, having faced him regularly for years when he played for the Minnesota Wild.

“They’re well aware of who Jordan Greenway is, finishing hits ... Read the full article

Sabres to utilize Jordan Greenway with Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner

The 6-foot-6, 231-pound Greenway, 26, can wear down opposing defensemen. The Dallas Stars, tonight’s opponent, know him well, having faced him regularly for years when he played for the Minnesota Wild.

“They’re well aware of who Jordan Greenway is, finishing hits ... Read the full article