Vegas Golden Knights - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After trades, recalls, newcomers Sam Carrick, Noah Ostlund and others play huge roles in Sabres’ success

BUFFALO – As Sabres center Sam Carrick warmed up prior to Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a placard along the glass featuring a drawing of his head grabbed his attention.

Other than the length of his hair – “I’ve had a snip since then,” the newcomer said – the portrait accurately depicted Carrick.

“Yeah, it was pretty impressive,” he told the Times Herald following Monday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tage Thompson enjoyed time alongside Jack Eichel at Olympics: ‘Going full circle’

BUFFALO – During their brief time together here, Sabres center Tage Thompson said he looked up to Jack Eichel.

Thompson, 28, is just a year younger than Eichel, who’s now starring for the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, in 2018-19, their only full season as teammates, Eichel was a budding superstar and the face of the franchise. Thompson, meanwhile, was a neophyte simply trying to stick in the NHL.

As a developing power forward, Thompson said ... Read the full article

Noah Ostlund’s response after slash on Rasmus Dahlin displays Sabres’ growth: ‘We’re a pack’

BUFFALO – When Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund saw his captain, Rasmus Dahlin, down on the ice and the referee’s arm up, instinct took over.

“I thought it was something ugly,” Ostlund said of Brayden Point’s slash on Dahlin early in the second period of Saturday’s 6-2 road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

So the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Ostlund, who did not see the slash, immediately went after Point, hoping to cross-check him.... Read the full article

After stunning turnaround, Sabres join NHL’s elite: ‘Do something real special’

BUFFALO – Over the past three months, as the Sabres have morphed into a heavyweight that appears capable of wreaking havoc in the postseason, coach Lindy Ruff has contemplated his team’s unique transformation.

The Sabres haven’t infused talent through a trade, big or small, or altered the roster in any significant fashion.

Every player who will face the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at KeyBank Center had a roster spot opening night or began the season ... Read the full article

Sabres fight their way to shootout win over Golden Knights after Jiri Kulich injured: ‘We look like a real team’

BUFFALO – Tomas Hertl had the game-clinching goal on his stick, only open ice and an empty net ahead, when he decided to give former Sabres captain Jack Eichel another chance to tell the locals to buzz off.

Instead of shooting the puck from the right circle with 37 seconds left to give the Vegas Golden Knights a two-goal lead, the veteran backhanded it to Eichel in the slot.

Eichel, who had put Vegas up ... Read the full article

Following trade to Sabres, wait for visa, Jacob Bernard-Docker ready to go

BUFFALO – Before defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker could really join the Sabres, one issue had to be worked out.

As a Canadian joining an American team, he needed to have his visa approved. So after the Sabres acquired him in last Friday’s deadline trade that sent center Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators, he couldn’t participate in team-related activities.

“That was obviously made pretty clear at the border when I came through,” Bernard-Docker said following Friday’s ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris misses practice with injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – Sabres center Josh Norris missed Friday’s practice with an undisclosed injury he has been battling, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff did not have an update on Norris, who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators prior to last Friday’s trade deadline.

“He’s just being evaluated by our medical staff today,” Ruff said following the session in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Former Sabre Victor Olofsson finds new home with Jack Eichel, Golden Knights

As a rookie in 2019-20, former Buffalo Sabres winger Victor Olofsson usually skated at left wing alongside Jack Eichel and also shared the ice with him during power plays.

Olofsson reaped the benefits of playing with Eichel, as the playmaking center assisted on 15 of his 20 goals that season.

Now Olofsson, who struggled last season and wasn’t re-signed by Buffalo, has been reunited with Eichel.... Read the full article

Sabres illustrate growth by annihilating Golden Knights: ‘A mature response’

BUFFALO – In the not-so-distant past, if the Sabres had blown a two-goal lead in a matter of minutes like they did Saturday, they likely would’ve lost.

So their 7-2 dismantling of the Vegas Golden Knights before a noisy crowd of 16,693 fans in KeyBank Center represents growth.

Coach Don Granato has recently been saying the Sabres have matured and become better equipped to handle adversity. Saturday’s triumph over the defending Stanley Cup champion and ... Read the full article

After recall and slump, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen scoring again for Rochester; Buffalo makes roster moves

ROCHESTER – What Sabres prospect Isak Rosen had heard about returning to the AHL following his first recall to the NHL turned out to be true.

To wit: when Buffalo summoned the Swedish winger in late November, he had recorded eight goals and a team-high 19 points in 16 games. Fresh off his strong rookie season, he had developed into one of the Americans’ drivers and top scoring threats.

Entering Friday’s road game against the ... Read the full article