WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
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
Devon Levi was a difference-maker Friday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – At some point in Friday’s tight 3-2 win, Sabres goalie Devon Levi said the heck with it and dropped the technical aspect of his game.
The contest had become so scrambly, Levi decided it would be better to simply battle to stop the Minnesota Wild from scoring.
“Just kind of tried to keep the puck out of the net,” he said after making a season-high 33 saves.
Levi, 21, was a difference-maker Friday, ... 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
Dylan Cozens was injured Friday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres center Dylan Cozens said he has learned his lesson.
In the future, don’t expect to see him picking fights with heavyweights like he did as frustration overwhelmed him late in Friday’s 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
“It probably won’t happen like that again,” Cozens said Wednesday after returning to practice in KeyBank Center wearing a full face shield.
Cozens, 22, also sported protection over his nose, which likely means it’s broken, ... Read the full article
Matt Savoie played six games for Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – Having just returned from a conditioning loan, Sabres prospect Matt Savoie won’t make his NHL debut tonight in Carolina. Coach Don Granato wants to put him into positions he will succeed, so he doesn’t feel comfortable playing him against the Hurricanes after one practice.
In the near future, however, the Sabres will likely give Savoie, 19, a chance to showcase his talents. The slick forward stood out in the AHL, scoring two goals ... Read the full article
Matt Savoie has fit in well in Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – By about 9:30 tonight, Sabres prospect Matt Savoie will have completed his sixth game with the Rochester Americans and his 14-day AHL conditioning loan will be over.
Savoie, 19, has fit in nicely, establishing himself as one of the Amerks’ top scoring threats while showcasing the talents that made him the ninth overall pick in 2022. Staying in Rochester would likely buoy the forward’s development.
But as a teenager whose rights are owned ... Read the full article
