Thompson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Goal-scoring struggles frustrate Sabres’ Dylan Cozens: ‘Just keep shooting’

BUFFALO – In the waning minutes Tuesday, as the Stars pressed for another goal, Sabres center Dylan Cozens grabbed the puck inside the Dallas blue line with a chance to seal a victory and generate some much-needed confidence.

Cozens simply had to deposit it into the empty net 63 feet away to register his first goal this season. Instead, his shot hit the right side of the cage. Play continued, and winger Alex Tuch’s ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson backs up words, scores late to help Sabres beat Stars

BUFFALO – On the bench in the third period, as the Sabres began playing a little too conservative for coach Lindy Ruff’s liking, center Tage Thompson urged his teammates to hit the accelerator again.

A 2-0 lead can vanish in a hurry, especially against a heavyweight opponent like the Dallas Stars. Ruff, of course, wants his players to keep playing aggressively when they’re ahead, a message Thompson relayed.

“He was the one guy on the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan McLeod scoring, earning trust from Lindy Ruff after trade

BUFFALO – This isn’t the hottest stretch of Ryan McLeod’s career. No, 10 months ago as a member of the Edmonton Oilers, the Sabres newcomer scored four times and compiled six points during a three-game goal streak.

Following a pointless night, he registered one goal and two points in his next outing.

Right now, McLeod has scored one goal in each of the last three games entering tonight’s contest against the Dallas Stars at ... Read the full article

Sabres blow leads as Sidney Crosby and Penguins spoil JJ Peterka’s return

PITTSBURGH – Where do you start with this one? The Buffalo Sabres blew an early two-goal lead before roaring back late to go up again after superstar Evgeni Malkin’s 500th goal put the Penguins ahead and seemingly seized all the momentum.

In the end, the Sabres earned one point for Wednesday’s wildly entertaining 6-5 overtime loss in PPG Paints Arena.

Still, the setback surely stings. The Sabres led 2-0 led by the 2:08 mark, 3-1 ... Read the full article

Sabres’ JJ Peterka could return from concussion against Penguins

PITTSBURGH – Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka, out since suffering a concussion Oct. 5, is available to play tonight against the Penguins, coach Lindy Ruff said this morning.

The German has missed the last two games. If he returns, Ruff did not say which player would be scratched.

Peterka, 22, played the first two games at left wing on the top line alongside center Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. He left the lineup when New ... 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

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

Three years after trade, Sabres’ Peyton Krebs trying to reinvent himself

BUFFALO – During practices, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has noticed Peyton Krebs possesses the skill to make what he called “special plays.” Of course, having registered 20 goals and 66 points in his career, the center only occasionally showcases that talent in games.

In Krebs, 23, Ruff sees a player trying to figure things out. When the Vegas Golden Knights drafted him 17th overall in 2019 and the Sabres acquired him almost three years ago ... Read the full article

Sabres’ JJ Peterka, Zach Benson close to returning from injuries

BUFFALO – Sabres winger JJ Peterka had never endured a hit like the one defenseman Brenden Dillon laid to his head early in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils.

“I got some hits in the past, but I don’t think that kind of hard hit before,” said Peterka, who returned to practice Wednesday with winger Zach Benson.

Peterka, who’s sporting a black left eye, has nearly recovered from the hit that earned Dillon ... Read the full article

Sabres focused on fixing power play: ‘Going to be great’

BUFFALO – Prior to Tuesday’s practice, the Sabres’ power-play units and coaching staff could be found across the street at LECOM Harborcenter working on the man advantage.

“I don’t know if that mock resistance by the coaches was any good, but I felt the speed coming at us was pretty good,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff cracked.

When the regular session began at KeyBank Center, the Sabres focused on their power play for the first 43 ... Read the full article