Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Rochester Amerks’ season ends with loss to Syracuse: ‘That one stings’

ROCHESTER – When the Syracuse Crunch pounced on the Americans early Friday, opening up a 2-0 lead before the 10-minute mark, few believed the visitors would run away with the decisive Game 5.

The first four meetings in the AHL North Division semifinal had been bitterly contested, with one goal deciding each game. The last three games had ended in overtime. In Game 4, the Amerks erased a three-goal, third-period deficit to force Friday’s contest.... Read the full article

Brett Murray developing in Rochester, sees future in Sabres organization

ROCHESTER – Winger Brett Murray grew up here as a player, developing from an unheralded Buffalo Sabres draft pick into one of the Americans’ top scorers and most versatile presences.

Five seasons ago, Murray, 25, arrived having just signed an AHL contract. While he was certainly an intriguing youngster, Buffalo’s previous regime wanted him to raise his conditioning to pro standards, so he did not receive an NHL deal.

Within a year, he earned his ... Read the full article

Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’

ROCHESTER – As Americans goalie Devon Levi sat in the cramped visiting dressing room in Upstate Medical Arena soaking up Saturday’s unlikely 4-3 overtime victory, he noticed coach Seth Appert in the corner, admiring his team.

“Just so proud of us,” Levi said following Wednesday’s practice in Blue Cross Arena. “We were proud of each other.”

Appert then walked over and addressed his players, telling them, “Well, that’s exactly how we wrote it up.”

“And ... Read the full article

In grueling, high-stakes games, Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi dazzles for Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – When the Syracuse Crunch increased its lead to a commanding 3-0 over the Americans on Saturday, goalie Devon Levi’s mind, only naturally, flashed to the summer.

The Amerks, after all, had to win Game 4 to stay alive in the best-of-five AHL North Division semifinal. They had scored just once in their previous seven periods.

Things probably felt bleak when they trailed by three goals after 40 minutes.

Of course, Levi, the Buffalo ... Read the full article

NHL Draft Lottery: Sabres likely won’t get chance to pick Macklin Celebrini, but should land strong prospect

The Buffalo Sabres possess the 11th-best odds in tonight’s NHL Draft Lottery, just 3 percent, meaning they likely won’t win the right to select center Macklin Celebrini, a prospect so talented he could transform a franchise.

Celebrini, a lock to be picked first overall June 28 at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas, just enjoyed a dynamic season at Boston University, becoming the youngest player in history and fourth freshman to win the Hobey Baker ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Matt Savoie finishing junior career on tear with Moose Jaw

On Feb. 2, the Prince Albert Raiders held Buffalo Sabres prospect Matt Savoie pointless in their 3-1 loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

What’s so significant about that? Well, it marks the last time Savoie, 20, did not record a point in a game.

The ultra-talented center has registered at least one point in his last 29 outings, including 13 contests in the Western Hockey League playoffs.

He continued his torrid point streak in Friday’s ... Read the full article

Faceoffs, tips doom Rochester in loss; Devon Levi shines for Amerks

ROCHESTER – On the bench in overtime, coach Seth Appert heard it. Center Tyson Kozak touched the puck, seemingly negating an icing call against the Americans.

Instead, the officials let the icing stand, sending the faceoff into the Rochester zone.

“It’s a terrible call,” Appert said following Sunday afternoon’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Syracuse Crunch in Game 2 of the AHL North Division semifinal. “Clear as day, and Kozak is honest as the day ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi dazzles in playoff debut as Rochester grabs lead

ROCHESTER – Following the Calder Cup Playoffs, Devon Levi will likely bid adieu to the minors for good. In his brief time here, the Sabres prospect has morphed into the Americans’ backbone, emerging as one of the AHL’s elite goalies.

Next season, Levi, 22, is expected to graduate to Buffalo, where he will compete for playing time with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. In the meantime, the rookie has an opportunity to lead the Amerks on a deep ... Read the full article

Rochester rookie Nikita Novikov looks like special Sabres defense prospect

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Nikita Novikov displayed special offensive instincts throughout his first regular season in North America.

“Borderline high-end,” said coach Seth Appert, whose Americans open the Calder Cup Playoffs tonight at Blue Cross Arena in a best-of-five series against the Syracuse Crunch.

Without the benefit of power-play time, the 6-foot-4, 209-pound Novikov compiled 20 assists, a high total for a rookie acclimating to a different brand of hockey.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Victor Olofsson to play for Team Sweden at World Championship

Buffalo Sabres winger Victor Olofsson, who scored a career-low eight goals this season, will represent Team Sweden at the upcoming World Hockey Championship.

The Sabres are expected to let Olofsson, 28, leave as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Players who have expiring contracts often don’t want to risk injury and turn down invitations to the tournament. Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, both of whom can become restricted free agents, said ... Read the full article