Ullmark - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres recall goalie Robin Lehner, send Linus Ullmark to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled goalie Robin Lehner from his conditioning stint with the Rochester Americans this morning and sent rookie goalie Linus Ullmark to the AHL affiliate.

Lehner, out with a high right ankle sprain since opening night, played three game with Amerks, going 1-2 with a 3.36 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. The Swede, 24, made his debut as the Sabres’ new starter Oct. 8. He made 35 saves in the ... Read the full article

Sabres still work in progress halfway through season

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Dan Bylsma noticed almost immediately, way back in September, and it surprised him. Training camp had just started with an overhauled roster – about 10 new faces, in fact – yet his players were already forming close bonds.

“They enjoy being a part of this team and part of this group,” Bylsma said Thursday inside the First Niagara Center. “It has developed. It is a part of what we are. … ... Read the full article

Sabres reeling after loss to Panthers

BUFFALO – In one dressing room, the smiles told the story. After shellacking the reeling Sabres 5-1 on Tuesday, the upstart Florida Panthers confidently celebrated their franchise-record 10^th consecutive victory.

“Ten, might as well just keep going and win every game,” said winger Jonathan Huberdeau, one of the Panthers’ young stars.

Yes, the Panthers, the NHL’s perennial laughingstock, have quickly morphed into the league’s hottest team.

Down the hallway inside the First Niagara Center, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Robin Lehner and Mark Pysyk to begin rehab assignments

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Robin Lehner and defenseman Mark Pysyk will begin AHL rehab assignments with the Rochester Americans later this week, coach Dan Bylsma said this morning.

The Amerks play three games in three days this weekend, so Lehner might start two of the three. Bylsma also said he would be with the team a week from Wednesday.

Lehner hasn’t played since suffering a high right ankle sprain Oct. 8, opening night. Pysyk, meanwhile, ... Read the full article

Sabres pump 43 shots on goal, still lose to Islanders

BUFFALO – Following the Sabres’ 2-1 loss Thursday, center Ryan O’Reilly wasn’t taking any solace in the improved power play they showcased against the New York Islanders.

Sure, the Sabres’ struggling power play got its first goal, an O’Reilly score, in eight games, ending a zero for 24 run. And early on, with rookie center Jack Eichel promoted to the top unit, the Sabres pumped seven shots on goal during their first chance, helping them ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner practices, could play soon

BUFFALO – Robin Lehner still has no firm timeline for his return to NHL game action. Right now, the Sabres goalie just plans to keep practicing, something he did with his teammates Tuesday for the first time since suffering a high right ankle sprain Oct. 8.

Still, Lehner knows he should be back soon, and that’s a good feeling for the Swede, who has played only 32 minutes since Feb. 16, when he suffered a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evander Kane on allegations: ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Evander Kane, the subject of a sex offense investigation by Buffalo police following an alleged incident at a downtown hotel Sunday morning, said today he has done nothing wrong and looks forward to clearing his name.

Kane, 24, will play tonight against the Washington Capitals and skated this morning with his teammates inside the First Niagara Center. Prior to taking the ice, Kane addressed his teammates with coach Dan Bylsma ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Chad Johnson showcasing calm style

BUFFALO – On the ice, despite the chaos that often develops around his crease, Sabres goalie Chad Johnson usually showcases a cool demeanor.

When Johnson’s dialed in – and that’s been nearly all season – he can almost make hockey’s toughest position look easy. The veteran, 29, often reads plays and shots perfectly, making difficult saves look routine.

Johnson mostly tends goal calmly.

“I’ve always been a guy that sort of keeps things simple,” Johnson ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Chad Johnson shines in shutout win over Ducks

BUFFALO – Chad Johnson will garner the headlines from the Sabres’ 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks, and he should. The goalie dazzled Thursday, stopping a career-high 44 shots, a franchise-record for a shutout.

But the Sabres received contributions throughout the lineup in their third win in four games and 14th overall this season.

The fourth line, so bad last game, was the Sabres’ best trio for chunks of the night, creating defenseman’s Jake McCabe’s ... Read the full article

Sabres generate little, get blanked by Devils

BUFFALO – New Devils regime. Same boring style.

Some things never change.

Even with Lou Lamoriello, the architect of those highly successful but oh-so-dull New Jersey teams, now 480 miles away from Newark running the Toronto Maple Leafs, his legacy lives on.

The Devils haven’t changed much under new general manager Ray Shero and coach John Hynes. They still suck the life out of the game, patiently wait for opportunities and then sit on the ... Read the full article