Strbak - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres need Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to recapture dynamic form of last season

BUFFALO – The goal outburst that helped the Sabres end their 13-game winless skid overshadowed goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s stellar performance heading into the Christmas break.

Luukkonen, 25, quietly enjoyed one of his strongest outings this season in Monday’s 7-1 road win against the New York Islanders, stopping 27 shots and allowing one goal or less for just the fifth time in 24 games.

If the Sabres make an unlikely climb up the standings – they ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Patrick Geary growing into unique talent at Michigan State

BUFFALO – During their chats leading up to the NHL Draft, Hamburg native Patrick Geary told the Sabres that in the past, he had often played a raw, undisciplined game.

“He used the term that a couple of coaches used with him, he was a little bit of a cowboy on the ice at times,” assistant general manager Jerry Forton said June 29 after the Sabres selected Geary in the sixth round, 174th overall, at ... Read the full article

Mature Sabres prospect Max Strbak budding star at Michigan State

BUFFALO – What Sabres prospect Max Strbak accomplished as a true freshman at Michigan State is a bit unusual. Most defensemen don’t step into a major program and make an immediate impact at 18.

The Slovak played a significant role as the Spartans won the Big Ten championship and advanced to the NCAA regional final.

Naturally, some physical elements – for example, his 6-foot-2 frame and stellar skating – helped him quickly adapt to college ... Read the full article