WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition
Alex Tuch has missed three games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres winger Alex Tuch called it “weirdly good timing.” While being away from the team was difficult, the hamstring injury he suffered allowed him to spend more time with his wife, Kylie, as they prepared for the birth of their son.
“It’s never a good time to get injured, but if I’m going to get injured and be able to 100 percent be there for the birth of my son, I’ll take it,” ... Read the full article
JJ Peterka skates away Saturday after Montreal’s Cayden Primeau stopped his shootout attempt. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – The final result, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, stings. The Sabres squandered opportunities all night, pumping a season-high 48 shots on goal and failing to convert six power plays, including one that carried into overtime.
In Saturday’s shootout, they needed one stop to secure back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.
Still, in losing for the sixth time in eight outings (2-5-1), the Sabres at least carried over ... Read the full article
Rasmus Dahlin missed one game. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin made it clear he’s ready to play.
“I’m feeling really, really, really, really good today, so it’s all good,” said Dahlin, who missed Thursday’s 3-1 road win over the Boston Bruins with a nagging lower-body injury.
When Dahlin spoke this morning, he said he still needed approval to return tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. Coach Don Granato later confirmed he will play.... Read the full article
Matt Savoie played one game for Buffalo. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – In the heat of a close game, with two precious points at stake, Sabres coach Don Granato did not feel comfortable putting prospect Matt Savoie on the ice.
So in his NHL debut, Friday’s 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild, Savoie, 19, skated just 3 minutes, 55 seconds over five shifts. He did not play in the third period.
On Saturday, the Sabres sent Savoie, who missed all of training camp, back to ... Read the full article
Rasmus Dahlin knows Buffalo must work for its opportunities. ©2023, Miceline Veluvolu
PITTSBURGH – On the surface, pumping 35 shots on goal looks good, like the Buffalo Sabres created enough offense to win. Perhaps they just ran into a hot goalie.
While Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry played well in Saturday’s 4-0 win, he hardly stood on his head. The Sabres simply made it too easy for him in front of the 18,429 fans in PPG Paints Arena.
“We used our skill to create stuff but we didn’t ... Read the full article
Matt Savoie played one game with Buffalo. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
PITTSBURGH – With a full roster a week or two ago, coach Don Granato said the Buffalo Sabres figured only an injury would create a spot for forward prospect Matt Savoie.
When forward Brandon Biro went on injured reserve Monday, the Sabres had a place for Savoie, who had just completed his 14-day conditioning loan in the minors.
Savoie, 19, made his NHL debut in Friday’s 3-2 home win over the Minnesota Wild, skating just ... Read the full article
Alex Tuch has been on a roll. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – As the Sabres convened for their optional morning skate, winger Alex Tuch emerged from the tunnel and joined his teammates on the ice.
But before the session started, Tuch, who’s battling an upper-body injury, left the ice. He missed Friday’s 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center.
“He’s dealing with some soreness that we’re hoping resolves sooner than later,” Sabres coach Don Granato said prior to the game. “It’s gotten better.”... Read the full article
Matt Savoie celebrates a goal in Rochester last Friday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – As the Sabres convened for their optional morning skate, winger Alex Tuch emerged from the tunnel and joined his teammates on the ice.
But before the session started, Tuch, who’s battling an upper-body injury, left the ice. Coach Don Granato said he’s questionable for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild in KeyBank Center.
“He’s dealing with some soreness that we’re hoping resolves sooner than later,” Granato said this morning. “It’s gotten better.”
Granato ... Read the full article
Alex Tuch has scored three goals in the last two games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Matt Savoie subbed for injured winger Alex Tuch during Thursday’s practice, skating alongside center Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner.
So, could Savoie, 19, make his NHL debut tonight against the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center?
Coach Don Granato said the Sabres are “leaning toward using” the youngster this weekend. They also play a road game Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.... Read the full article
Ryan Johnson has played two NHL games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Ryan Johnson needed barely eight minutes of ice time to convince the Sabres he deserved a bigger role. So, fresh off his impressive NHL debut, they awarded the defenseman duty alongside Rasmus Dahlin.
In limited action Saturday in Toronto, Johnson, 22, had quickly showcased maturity and poise that belied his neophyte status. His ability to acclimate in a hostile environment against a strong Maple Leafs team impressed the Sabres.
Still, despite giving ... Read the full article