Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt producing despite struggles at even strength

BUFFALO – Late in the second period of Thursday’s 7-4 loss, Casey Mittelstadt grabbed a short pass in the left circle and darted to the net. When the Sabres center approached the crease on his forehand, it briefly appeared he would shoot.

But Mittelstadt held the puck and, a split second later, he lifted a quick backhander past Vegas Golden Knights goalie Logan Thompson, tying the game at 2.

The slick goal, his second power-play ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Kale Clague earning keep on blue line; Rasmus Dahlin returns

BUFFALO – In his previous stops, Sabres defenseman Kale Clague couldn’t always play aggressively. That often neutralized his skating, his greatest strength.

The Sabres, however, want to attack and push the pace. If players make mistakes, coach Don Granato and his staff can live with them.

“The system (here) allows me to be aggressive, whereas maybe some teams prior I’ve been a little bit more on my heels a little bit, based on that,” Clague ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Lukas Rousek scores highlight-reel goal for Amerks

ROCHESTER – In the opening weeks of his first full AHL season, Americans winger Lukas Rousek has further cemented his status as one of the Sabres’ best forward prospects.

Through the first nine games, Rousek, 23, has registered three goals and nine points, the Amerks’ third-highest total. With veteran forwards Sean Malone and Michael Mersch injured, the Czech’s contributions have been critical the team’s 6-3-0-0 start.

Rousek tied Friday’s game against the Utica Comets 3:19 ... Read the full article

After slow start and short break, Sabres rookie Jack Quinn starting to catch fire

BUFFALO – The genesis of Jack Quinn’s quick turnaround can be traced to, of all places, the press box in Edmonton. It was there following two weak outings that the rookie winger sat out the first of two games as part of the Sabres’ forward rotation.

Quinn, 21, looked overwhelmed after cracking the big club out of training camp, failing to make any early impact. So Sabres coach Don Granato said they scratched the ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Buffalo adds defenseman; Jacob Bryson seizing leading role

BUFFALO – Just nine games in, the Sabres have already dipped deep into their defense reserves. Hours before Monday’s 8-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings, they recalled Jeremy Davies from the Rochester Americans.

Davies, 25, is the ninth defenseman who has been on the roster this season.

“We’re banged up on the back end and that’s the need, pressing need right now,” Sabres coach Don Granato said Monday prior to Davies’ recall.

They summoned ... 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

Sabres place Riley Sheahan on waivers

The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday placed forward Riley Sheahan, who hasn’t played a game this season, on waivers, according to reports.

If Sheahan, 30, clears, he could be assigned to the Rochester Americans.

The 6-foot-2, 214-pound Sheahan has been serving as the Sabres’ 14th forward since recovering from a muscle injury. They could use his roster spot to recall a defenseman.... Read the full article

Recalls to Sabres, injuries make Amerks sign NHL veteran for defense

The Rochester Americans on Saturday added to a defense corps depleted by recalls to the Buffalo Sabres and injuries, signing veteran Matt Bartkowski to a professional tryout.

Bartkowski, 34, played in Saturday afternoon’s 5-1 road win over the Laval Rocket.

Injuries to defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju forced the Sabres to recall Lawrence Pilut and Kale Clague from the Amerks. They’ve also lost defensemen Chase Priskie and Peter Tischke to injuries.... 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

D injuries could force Sabres to make trade; Peyton Krebs returns to lineup

BUFFALO – Just two weeks into the season, having lost Mattias Samuelsson, Henri Jokiharju and two more defensemen in the minors to injuries, the Sabres are considering adding depth to their blue line, Kevyn Adams said.

The general manager said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center that Samuelsson, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, will be sidelined “a few weeks.”

“But much ... Read the full article