Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres newcomer Matt Hunwick nearing return from neck injury

BUFFALO – Right away last season, Sabres defenseman Matt Hunwick said he felt “something just didn’t click” in Pittsburgh.

“I … was just never kind of able to get my footing,” said Hunwick, who is practicing and listed as day-to-day after suffering a neck injury working out during the offseason.

Not surprisingly, Hunwick, who signed a three-year, $6.75 million contract with Pittsburgh, endured a rough campaign in 2017-18.

The Michigan product suffered a concussion six ... Read the full article

Sabres star Jack Eichel busts out of goal-scoring slump

BUFFALO – In about 10 minutes Tuesday, captain Jack Eichel scored twice during a wild third period, giving the Sabres a short-lived lead and equaling his goal output from the previous 25 games.

Eichel, 22, has quietly enjoyed a terrific season, compiling 27 assists and 34 points in the first 29 contests.

At his current pace, the slick center would have 76 assists and 94 points over 82 games, the Sabres’ most prolific offensive ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tyler Ennis happy in fourth-line role with Maple Leafs

BUFFALO – Instead of being relied upon to produce offense, ex-Sabres winger Tyler Ennis is now a fourth-liner.

Sure, Ennis, 29, skates on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ second power-play unit. The former first-round pick even started the season on the No. 1 line beside center Auston Matthews and Patrick Marleau.

But Ennis is no longer the ultra-slick presence from his early days. The concussions he suffered in his final seasons with the Sabres helped stymie ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Matt Tennyson from Amerks with Jake McCabe hurt

Is Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Lawrence Pilut going to make his NHL debut tonight?

The Sabres recalled defenseman Matt Tennyson from the Rochester Americans this morning, meaning Jake McCabe, who left Thursday’s 5-4 road loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning with an undisclosed injury, likely won’t play tonight against the Florida Panthers.

Update: Pilut will play, according to reports out of Florida.

In addition, the Sabres activated forward Patrik Berglund from injured reserved ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tage Thompson producing after taking ‘step back’

BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.

“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who had scored three goals in the last four games entering Tuesday’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.

Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Conor Sheary out against Sharks; Remie Elie impressing

BUFFALO – An upper-body injury will sideline winger Conor Sheary tonight against the San Jose Sharks, meaning Remi Elie will play again as the Sabres gun for their 10th consecutive victory.

Of course, Sabres coach Phil Housley might’ve kept Elie, his 13th forward much of the season, in the lineup if Sheary could play.

In his first appearance following 10 consecutive healthy scratches, Elie, 23, stood out in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win in Detroit.... Read the full article

Sabres Notes: Lawrence Pilut excited about first NHL recall

BUFFALO – Defense prospect Lawrence Pilut’s first trip to the Sabres was more about experiencing the NHL life than receiving playing time.

The Sabres recalled Pilut, the AHL’s leading scorer, for insurance before sending him back late Friday. With Marco Scandella battling a lower-body injury, they wanted to have an extra defenseman.

The Sabres have also been winning, so coach Phil Housley hasn’t tinkered much with his lineup.

So Pilut, 22, sat out ... Read the full article

Sabres goalies Carter Hutton, Linus Ullmark forming strong tandem

BUFFALO – After earning his 10th win this season, the scorching Sabres will likely turn to goalie Carter Hutton again for this afternoon’s home tilt against the Montreal Canadiens.

Right now, having registered six victories during the Sabres’ seven-game winning streak, Hutton is enjoying a career-best stretch. In his first weeks as a regular NHL starter, the affable veteran has morphed into one of the league’s hottest netminders.

But considering the Sabres also play ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Nathan Beaulieu looking to build on recent success

BUFFALO – Despite sitting out two straight games as a healthy scratch, Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu returned for Wednesday’s 5-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers possessing plenty of confidence.

Beaulieu, 25, began generating offense before leaving the lineup, scoring his second goal this season before his first two-assist effort with the Sabres. The former first-round pick was also playing beside rookie Rasmus Dahlin, the first overall pick.

But after winning four straight games with Beaulieu, ... Read the full article

Sabres recall rookie Lawrence Pilut from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres made their first recall of the season this afternoon, summoning high-scoring defense prospect Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans.

Pilut, 22, has quickly become an AHL star, recording 19 assists and 22 points, both league highs, in his first 15 games. It only seemed to be a matter of time before the Sabres recalled him.

It’s unclear if Pilut will play tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. Given the Swede ... Read the full article