Vancouver Canucks - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres acquire Riley Stillman in trade with Canucks

The Buffalo Sabres made a minor trade Monday night to beef up their defense depth, acquiring Riley Stillman from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Josh Bloom.

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Stillman, 24, has played 140 NHL games, including 32 with the Canucks this season.

It was believed Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams planned to address his defense depth before Friday’s trade deadline.

Stillman’s arrival gives Buffalo 24 players, so it must make a move ... Read the full article

Sabres searching for answers after loss to lowly Canucks: ‘It has to change’

BUFFALO – This long Sabres losing streak felt a bit different than previous ones prior to Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to the hapless Vancouver Canucks.

The Sabres dropped four games to legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, playing each of them tough. Even their one loss to a non-playoff team, Arizona, didn’t look so bad after the Coyotes defeated some formidable opponents following their visit.

But losing to the Canucks, who limped into town having lost 12 of ... Read the full article

Mattias Samuelsson skates with Sabres, nearing return from injury

BUFFALO – On some teams, injured players are rarely seen. They do their work before many of their teammates arrive at the rink and quietly leave.

Then there’s Mattias Samuelsson. For more than three weeks, as the Sabres defenseman has rehabbed from a lower-body injury he suffered Oct. 22, he remained a visible presence in the dressing room and during practice.

“You saw him every day sitting on the bench in practice and around ... Read the full article

Sabres recall forwards from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres this morning recalled forwards Anders Bjork and Riley Sheahan, both of whom started the season in the NHL but did not play, from the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres, having lost captain Kyle Okposo (lower body) and rookie Jack Quinn (undisclosed) to injuries, had only 11 healthy forwards. They host the Vancouver Canucks tonight at KeyBank Center.

Bjork, 26, and Sheahan, 30, both cleared waivers earlier this season.... Read the full article

Rest helping Sabres’ Craig Anderson thrive as backup to Eric Comrie

BUFFALO – Following a terrific 27-save outing, Sabres goalie Craig Anderson will likely return to the bench tonight, backing up Eric Comrie against the Vancouver Canucks.

At 41, Anderson, the NHL’s oldest player, has tended some remarkable goal during the first month of the season, defying his advanced age.

Among goalies who have played at least five times this season, his 2.40 goals-against average ranks 13th in the NHL and .922 save percentage 11th. Despite ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Don Granato says early news on Mattias Samuelsson’s injury ‘positive’

When Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson twisted his right leg and had to be helped off the ice early in Saturday’s second period, coach Don Granato said he was holding his breath.

“You’re wondering what kind of news you’re going to get,” Granato told reporters in Vancouver following the Sabres’ 5-1 win over the Canucks.

Granato said while the Sabres won’t know more about Samuelsson’ lower-body injury until today, the early word is “positive.”... Read the full article

After Robert Hagg deal, Sabres could make more trades before deadline

BUFFALO – Expect a quiet deadline day for the Sabres. General manager Kevyn Adams made one trade Sunday, sending defenseman Robert Hagg to the Florida Panthers. Perhaps a few more veterans on expiring contracts will be dealt before 3 p.m.

This deadline lacks the intrigue of a year ago, when Adams was trying to trade winger Taylor Hall, a free agent bust, or in 2020, when ex-GM Jason Botterill loaded up for a playoff ... Read the full article

Sabres win again, improve to 3-0: ‘We want to prove all the doubters wrong’

BUFFALO – Maybe, just maybe this is the start of something special. With Tuesday’s thrilling 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, the Sabres improved to 3-0 for the first time in 13 years. That they’ve done it with a roster devoid of stars doesn’t mean it’s a fluke.

Right now, the Sabres play with purpose, speed and for each other. They come at their opponents in waves. They’re fun to watch and don’t seem to ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Drake Caggiula focused on showcasing offensive side

BUFFALO – As Sabres winger Drake Caggiula dropped down the lineup, his confidence in his offensive abilities nearly vanished.

Caggiula, 27, began his NHL career skating on scoring lines and the power play. Having just finished a dynamic college career, he was regarded as an offensive threat.

“I’ve always been an offensive player, all the way up until I got to the NHL,” Caggiula said prior to Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks at ... Read the full article

Don Granato knows stiff challenges await Sabres

BUFFALO – Coach Don Granato understands in the big picture, the Sabres’ strong start means little. Sure, it’s nice to begin the season 2-0 at home. But they have 80 games left, starting with tonight’s contest against the Vancouver Canucks at KeyBank Center.

Early-season hockey often lacks structure as teams struggle to grasp their systems. In the coming weeks, the level of play will rise significantly.

“It was really nice to start at home and ... Read the full article