Samuelsson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres to utilize Jordan Greenway with Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner

BUFFALO – In moving gritty newcomer Jordan Greenway up to right wing beside center Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner, coach Don Granato has given the Sabres’ No. 1 line an intriguing new physical element.

The 6-foot-6, 231-pound Greenway, 26, can wear down opposing defensemen. The Dallas Stars, tonight’s opponent, know him well, having faced him regularly for years when he played for the Minnesota Wild.

“They’re well aware of who Jordan Greenway is, finishing hits ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie in midst of unusual winning streak

BUFFALO – Eric Comrie’s unusual four-game winning streak began 15 games and 42 days ago, when the Sabres awarded him a rare start Jan. 26 against the Winnipeg Jets.

The goalie had been used sparingly following his return from a lower-body injury that sidelined him seven weeks. After playing Jan. 10, he sat out eight straight games before earning the nod against his old team. He stopped 19 shots that night, helping the Sabres extend ... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres, who played Monday’s 3-2 home loss to the Edmonton Oilers without injured defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Riley Stillman, have recalled Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans.

It’s unclear if the Sabres have another injured defenseman or they just want insurance. They play a road game tonight against the New York Islanders.

Samuelsson and Stillman are both day to day with upper-body injuries, according to the Sabres.... Read the full article

Jordan Greenway could enjoy career-changing opportunity with Sabres

BUFFALO – In their first stint together almost a decade ago with Team USA, Sabres coach Don Granato said he would sometimes push winger Jordan Greenway hard.

Greenway, then a teenager with the U.S. National Team Development Program, did not always like what Granato demanded of him as a junior player. Still, Granato said, the youngster “pushed through,” developing into a terrific NHL prospect.

“We had a great relationship prior,” said Greenway, who made his ... Read the full article

Sabres acquire Riley Stillman in trade with Canucks

The Buffalo Sabres made a minor trade Monday night to beef up their defense depth, acquiring Riley Stillman from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Josh Bloom.

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Stillman, 24, has played 140 NHL games, including 32 with the Canucks this season.

It was believed Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams planned to address his defense depth before Friday’s trade deadline.

Stillman’s arrival gives Buffalo 24 players, so it must make a move ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Dylan Cozens to long-term contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday locked up another piece of their young core, agreeing to terms with center Dylan Cozens on a seven-year, $49.7 million contract.

Cozens, who turns 22 on Thursday, joins defenseman Mattias Samuelsson and center Tage Thompson, both of whom signed seven-year deals before the season.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Cozens has seized a leading role in the Sabres’ ascension into a playoff contender this season, setting career highs with 17 goals and ... Read the full article

After lean years, Zemgus Girgensons enjoying Sabres’ playoff push

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Kyle Okposo said one of his teammates recently mentioned to him how interesting it would be to watch tenacious winger Zemgus Girgensons compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“Like, ‘Imagine 28 in the playoffs and just how he would just run through a wall for anybody,’” Okposo said following Tuesday’s practice at KeyBank Center.

Girgensons’ aggressive, straight-ahead style is tailor-made for the rigors of gritty postseason hockey.... Read the full article

After terrific road trip, Sabres ready for more meaningful games in February

BUFFALO – Following their most successful and significant road trip in years, the Sabres can finally catch their breath and recharge.

Saturday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild ended a grueling stretch of 13 games in 22 days in which the Sabres compiled a terrific 7-4-2 mark. They grew stronger and stronger as the month progressed, defeating the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets last week before falling in Minnesota.

Now, having ... Read the full article

Sabres injury update: Tage Thompson day to day, others progressing

BUFFALO – Center Tage Thompson, whose 34 goals and 68 points both lead the Sabres, did not practice Monday because of an upper-body injury.

Sabres coach Don Granato said he expects Thompson, who’s day to day, to practice today.

“He’s been, like lots of players, dealing with nagging issues and they’re a little bit more from last game,” Granato said in KeyBank Center. “So it’s way better for him to just take the day. ... Read the full article

Sabres goalies Craig Anderson, Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen embracing difficult situation

BUFFALO – So far, the Sabres’ jam-packed schedule has helped them make the best of a difficult situation and accommodate three goalies.

This week, Craig Anderson, Eric Comrie and rookie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have all earned starts. Luukkonen remained on the roster following Thursday’s 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, a sign he could play tonight’s road game against the Nashville Predators.

The Sabres also play Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and next Saturday. They have ... Read the full article