Rochester Americans | Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Zemgus Girgensons thrilled to represent Latvia at Olympics

BUFFALO – When Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons represented Latvia in an Olympic-qualifying tournament late in the summer, NHL players hadn’t committed to participating in the 2022 Beijing Games.

“But I still decided to go over and compete in the qualification because even if I wasn’t going, what it means to other players back home to go is a big thing,” said Girgensons, who played for Latvia in the 2014 Sochi Games, the last time the ... Read the full article

Sabres trim training camp roster again, send two players to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres trimmed their training camp roster again this afternoon, sending wing prospects Jack Quinn and Brett Murray to the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres now have 27 players – 16 forwards, nine defensemen and two goalies – left in camp.

Quinn, the eighth overall pick last season, played three preseason games, compiling one assist and two shootout goals. Following two shaky outings, Quinn enjoyed a strong night in Tuesday’s 5-4 road shootout loss ... Read the full article

Sabres waive Aaron Dell, likely have goaltending set for opening night

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon waived struggling goalie Aaron Dell, meaning they could begin the season with veterans Craig Anderson and Dustin Tokarski in net.

Dell, 32, compiled a 0-0-1 record with a 5.57 goals-against average and an .838 save percentage in 65 minutes played over two preseason games.

In Tuesday’s 5-4 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dell relieved Tokarski, allowing three goals in 35 minutes of game action and four goals in ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen enjoyed ‘great’ training camp

BUFFALO – On the surface, goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s preseason looks disappointing. Instead of forcing the Sabres to keep him, they demoted the Finn to the minors 10 days before opening night.

Luukkonen, 22, compiled a 0-2-0 record in two starts, allowing five goals in each game.

Still, coach Don Granato said Luukkonen, one of seven players the Sabres sent to the Rochester Americans on Tuesday, enjoyed “a great camp.”

“In a progressive way,” Granato ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Dustin Tokarski to start; J-J Peterka, Jack Quinn earn another look

BUFFALO – Very quietly, Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski has enjoyed a stellar training camp, allowing just one goal in nearly 53 minutes of preseason action.

Tokarski, 32, has outplayed newcomer Aaron Dell in the competition for the backup job behind Craig Anderson.

Tokarski will start tonight’s road exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Penguins before Dell relieves him. Another strong outing by Tokarski could cement a roster spot.

Earlier today, the Sabres sent top goalie ... Read the full article

Sabres trim training camp roster, send six players to Amerks

BUFFALO – Top goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was among six players the Sabres sent to the Rochester Americans this morning.

The Sabres also assigned forwards Matej Pekar, Ryan MacInnis, Sean Malone and Linus Weissbach and defenseman Oskari Laaksonen to their AHL affiliate.

The Amerks open training camp today. The Sabres, meanwhile, play a road preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.... Read the full article

Sabres release 12 players from training camp tryouts

BUFFALO – Goalie Michael Houser and winger Michael Mersch were among 12 players the Sabres released from their training camp tryouts this morning. They will report to the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres also released forwards Dominic Franco, Mason Jobst, Ryan Scarfo and Brendan Warren; defensemen Nick Boka, Matthew Cairns, Mitch Eliot, Josh Teves and Peter Tischke; and goalie Mat Robson.

Houser and Mersch have NHL experience. Mersch played in Tuesday’s exhibition opener.... Read the full article

West Seneca’s Sean Malone excited for second stint in Sabres organization

BUFFALO – For one season, Sean Malone enjoyed having a fresh set of eyes examine him. The Sabres center impressed the Nashville Predators so much he earned a stint on their taxi squad and a one-game promotion to the active roster.

In just his second NHL outing and first in nearly four years, Malone recorded his first point Feb. 9, an assist.

Mostly, however, Malone toiled in the minors, playing 23 games for the Chicago ... Read the full article

J-J Peterka, Jack Quinn showcase skills in Sabres’ come-from-behind win

Buffalo Sabres prospect J-J Peterka couldn’t stop smiling.

Yes, he had only experienced a preseason victory. And his late goal in Tuesday’s come-from-behind, 5-4 shootout triumph doesn’t officially count in the record books.

Still, for Peterka, linemate Jack Quinn and the other youngsters who buoyed the Sabres to an unlikely win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the exhibition opener likely holds a lot of meaning.

The Sabres roared back in the third period, erasing a ... Read the full article

Sabres to utilize line of Dylan Cozens, J-J Peterka and Jack Quinn

BUFFALO – In a year or two, after wingers J-J Peterka and Jack Quinn acclimate to pro hockey, they could flank center Dylan Cozens on the Sabres’ No. 1 trio.

But right now, the intriguing line is simply an experiment for tonight’s preseason opener in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. Instead of putting the talented youngsters beside veterans, Sabres coach Don Granato wants them to learn on their own.

While Cozens, 20, played 41 NHL ... Read the full article