Samuelsson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

As Sabres struggle, Lindy Ruff wants to raise standard: ‘OK … not good enough’

BUFFALO – If you examine each loss during the Sabres’ current three-game skid, sure, positives can be found.

On Friday, they opened the scoring against the New York Islanders and staged a late comeback. Last Monday, they roared back from a two-goal deficit versus the Florida Panthers.

In Saturday’s 2-1 loss in Detroit, they grabbed an early lead and outshot the Red Wings.

What do the 4-7-1 Sabres have to show for those games? Nothing.... Read the full article

Sabres roar back against Panthers, fall apart late: ‘It was right there’

BUFFALO – On one hand, the Sabres erased an early 2-0 deficit Monday against the Florida Panthers and made things interesting. Despite losing 5-2, they matched the Stanley Cup champions’ skill and grit.

On the other hand, the Sabres, whose three-game winning streak was snapped, showed they haven’t reached the Panthers’ class. They broke down defensively all night, took ill-advised penalties and wilted late while allowing two third-period goals.

Coach Lindy Ruff doesn’t take much ... Read the full article

Sabres continue troubling start, lose to Blue Jackets: ‘They won more battles’

COLUMBUS – Seventy-six games remain for the Buffalo Sabres following Thursday’s ugly 6-4 loss to the Blue Jackets, so there’s time to correct things.

But having started this season a dreadful 1-4-1, they better get going in a hurry. Right now, it sure feels a lot like past years. Not much has changed under new coach Lindy Ruff.

The Sabres are a mess defensively. Their special teams are brutal.... Read the full article

Sabres start scoring, beat Panthers for first win: ‘A stress-reliever’

BUFFALO – It felt like things might be turning for the Sabres when late in Saturday’s first period, having just answered the Florida Panthers and tied the game, center Tage Thompson roared down the right wing and unleashed the puck toward the net.

During the Sabres’ three season-opening losses, the opposing goalie would’ve stopped a shot like that. This time, however, they enjoyed a little puck luck that had been non-existent.

Panthers goalie Spencer Knight, ... Read the full article

JJ Peterka could return from injury next week; Devon Levi to start for Sabres

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Lindy Ruff expects winger JJ Peterka to return from his concussion for Wednesday’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Peterka skated in the Sabres’ optional this morning as they prepared for tonight’s game against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. He will miss his second straight contest.

The German suffered a concussion when New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon hit him in the head early in last Saturday’s 3-1 loss.... Read the full article

As Sabres stumble out of gate, veteran Jason Zucker’s experience can help

BUFFALO – Right now, as the Sabres try to avoid losing their first four games and a full-blown crisis, they might be wise to lean on veteran newcomer Jason Zucker a bit.

Having played 700 NHL games – he reached the milestone in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings – the winger has experienced a lot over the years.

“Games played in this league is always a great thing, kind of shows longevity,” ... Read the full article

Sabres can’t finish chances, unravel late in loss to Kings: ‘I do feel snake bit’

BUFFALO – The Sabres performed a heck of a lot better in Thursday’s home opener than they did overseas. It was hardly a perfect effort, mind you. But they put together a terrific 40 minutes, showcasing speed and tenacity while generating loads of scoring chances in the first two periods.

Following two underwhelming outings to open the season, coach Lindy Ruff believes the Sabres played close to their identity throughout the night.

What do they ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin excited about captaincy, Sabres’ future: ‘Something really good’

When the Buffalo Sabres traded Kyle Okposo late last season, the obvious heir apparent to the captaincy, Rasmus Dahlin, refused to think about wearing the prestigious letter.

If Dahlin, 24, earned the honor, he wanted it to happen organically. So for seven months, the Swede said he kept focusing on being “the best version of myself.”

“When it’s not really organic, it’s kind of forced, that’s not a good thing in my opinion,” ... Read the full article

Sabres name Rasmus Dahlin captain

It wasn’t a matter of if, only when defenseman Rasmus Dahlin would become the Buffalo Sabres’ next captain.

Long before new Sabres coach Lindy Ruff awarded him the captaincy Thursday, Dahlin, 24, emerged as a worthy candidate to wear the prestigious ‘C’ someday.

The Swede is more than just one of the NHL’s most dynamic defensemen. He possesses a work ethic his coaches and teammates laud and pays a price to try to win. As ... Read the full article

Devon Levi happy to compete with UPL, sharp as Sabres beat Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – For years, Sabres goalie Devon Levi has been a workhorse, starting game after game.

At Northeastern, Levi played 89 percent of the Huskies’ games. After turning pro late in 2022-23, he started seven of the Sabres’ final eight contests and the first four last season before suffering an injury.

When Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen seized the No. 1 job late last fall, the Sabres assigned Levi to the Rochester Americans to play regularly, occasionally recalling ... Read the full article