Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen shines in win, could be seizing No. 1 job; Isak Rosen sent to Rochester

BUFFALO – It took more than six weeks – just over one-quarter of the season – for Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to make back-to-back starts.

The Finn missed time battling an injury, mind you. Still, if he was the best option most games, he would’ve taken over the net a long time ago.

The Sabres couldn’t wait for him to find his game, so he has been sharing time with Alex Lyon and rookie Colten ... Read the full article

Sabres waive goalie Alexandar Georgiev to terminate contract

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Sunday placed goalie Alexandar Georgiev on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

Georgiev, 29, plans to sign with Spartak Moscow, a Kontinental Hockey League, according to Hockey News Hub. He makes his home in Moscow during the offseason.

Terminating his deal will end an odd three-month tenure in the organization for the two-time NHL All-Star.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn confident he can start scoring; Buffalo trims roster

BUFFALO – Over the past month, Sabres winger Jack Quinn has often fought what he called “a battle I kind of have within myself.”

Quinn, 24, carried a 13-game goal drought into Friday’s contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. He scored his last goal Oct. 22, his third in the first seven games.

“I’m very frustrated I haven’t scored,” Quinn said Friday morning in KeyBank Center. “But there’s also some positives I am creating.”

Actually, Quinn ... Read the full article

Lindy Ruff stresses Mason Geertsen still part of Sabres; Rochester’s Mike Leone takes brief leave of absence

BUFFALO – When the Sabres waived Mason Geertsen, coach Lindy Ruff, who helped bring the tough guy back to the NHL following a four-year absence, told him he’s still a part of the team.

It’s just that right now, carrying an enforcer is a luxury the Sabres, who must activate winger Jason Zucker from injured reserve before tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, can no longer afford.

“We’ve got a long list of players that ... Read the full article

As Sabres get healthier, difficult roster decisions, even trade, could be made

BUFFALO – Waiving tough guy Mason Geertsen was the easy one. Difficult roster decisions loom for the Sabres as sick and injured players begin to return to the lineup.

By taking Geertsen, a healthy scratch 15 times this season, off the roster, they can activate winger Jason Zucker, 33, off injured reserve.

The Sabres, who host the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at KeyBank Center, sorely need Zucker. Their oldest and most experienced player has missed the ... Read the full article

Sabres make roster move by waiving Mason Geertsen

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon waived tough guy Mason Geertsen to create roster space, most likely to activate winger Jason Zucker from injured reserve.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday that Zucker, has missed the last eight games battling illness, will be available for Friday’s home game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

If Geertsen, 30, clears waivers, he will likely be assigned to the Rochester Americans.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Zach Benson happy to be back after injury; Jason Zucker can play Friday following illness

BUFFALO – The oddest stretch of Zach Benson’s young career is likely over. The diminutive Sabres winger rejoined his teammates for Wednesday’s pregame skate and hopes he can play in the coming days.

Two injuries – a seemingly innocent cut that forced him to be hospitalized the day before the season opener and a lower-body ailment – have kept him out of 12 of the Sabres’ first 20 games, including the last nine after a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris, Jason Zucker skate with teammates; Michael Kesselring out injured

BUFFALO – Among the 1,300 or so players who participated in NHL preseason games, Sabres center Josh Norris stood out as perhaps the most dynamic performer.

It can be hard to put much stock in exhibition contests, but the oft-injured Norris, who participated in Monday’s pregame skate, looked ready to seize his role as the Sabres’ top pivot following a full summer of training.

Then late in the season opener Oct. 9, he suffered an ... Read the full article

Captain Rasmus Dahlin rejoins Sabres after temporary leave of absence

Captain Rasmus Dahlin rejoined the Buffalo Sabres today in Detroit after taking a temporary leave of absence to return to his native Sweden for a personal matter.

Dahlin, who left the Sabres last Friday, skated with his teammates this morning and will play against the Red Wings tonight.

The defenseman missed the first three games of Buffalo’s road trip.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi pulled from game during career-worst slump with Rochester: ‘He’s got to be better’

ROCHESTER – The fifth puck past Americans goalie Devon Levi, a shot from the far bottom of the right circle, forced coach Mike Leone to make a late goaltending change.

For the just the second time in his 76-game AHL career, Levi, the Buffalo Sabres’ top goalie prospect, got yanked from a game.

In Wednesday’s 6-4 loss in Blue Cross Arena, the Amerks roared back late, scoring three straight goals after the Belleville Senators ... Read the full article