Wahlberg - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Devon Levi, Jiri Kulich star as Rochester Amerks grab 2-0 lead

ROCHESTER – Don’t let the 4-0 final fool you. For much of Sunday afternoon, the Americans held a tenuous grip on a one-goal lead against the Syracuse Crunch.

After rookie winger Konsta Helenius put them up early, the Amerks could’ve unraveled in the second period of Game 2 of their AHL North Division semifinal series.

The Crunch buzzed around goalie Devon Levi, outshooting the home team 15-6 and also hitting the post during a late ... Read the full article

Fourth-liners Brendan Warren, Riley Fiddler-Schultz help Rochester Amerks rally to win playoff opener

ROCHESTER – Mike Leone played at three colleges and grinded in the minors and Europe for three seasons before beginning the next phase of his hockey life. So the Americans coach has a soft spot for his depth players who have battled and waited for their opportunities.

Leone knows their buy-in and contributions are vital to a team’s success, especially in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

To wit: in Friday’s 3-2 win over the Syracuse Crunch ... Read the full article

With rookie Jiri Kulich injured, Sabres recall prospect from Rochester

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich, who left Monday’s 4-3 shootout win after suffering a lower-body injury, will be sidelined week to week, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Kulich, 20, has showcased consistent development this season, earning trust from Ruff to be utilized for critical faceoffs and play center, his natural position.

“It’s a loss for us because of how well he had played in the middle and the speed he was generating,” Ruff said ... Read the full article

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 send prospects Konsta Helenius, Anton Wahlberg from Amerks to World Junior Championship

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday assigned two of their top forward prospects – AHL rookies Konsta Helenius and Anton Wahlberg – from the Rochester Americans to their respective countries for the upcoming World Junior Championship.

Helenius, 18, will be representing Team Finland, while Wahlberg, 19, will be representing Team Sweden.

Both youngsters played in the tournament last year.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg using size, skill to make impact as rookie in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Americans rookie Anton Wahlberg’s ability to impact games without scoring makes him a unique prospect for the Buffalo Sabres.

To wit: in the third period of Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 overtime loss, coach Mike Leone said the 6-foot-4, 198-pound winger leveled one of the Toronto Marlies and generated three or four scoring chances simply by “playing to his identity and his strengths.”

“With his physical tools, he’s able to get in on the forecheck, ... Read the full article

Sabres send 10 players to Rochester Amerks, waive six others

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday loaned 10 players, including center Konsta Helenius, their first-round pick earlier this year, to the Rochester Americans and placed six players on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to their AHL affiliate.

The Sabres also released nine players who are expected to join the Amerks from their training camp tryouts and returned goalie Scott Ratzlaff to the Seattle Thunderbirds, his junior team.... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects face stiff test in Columbus

The Buffalo Sabres’ squad comprised of prospects and AHL talent has exceeded expectations, winning both of its outings since the regular roster traveled overseas.

In each of those 3-2 road victories – Tuesday in Pittsburgh and Thursday in Ottawa, a game in which 2022 first-round pick Noah Ostlund scored in overtime – neither opponent dressed much NHL talent.

So tonight’s contest in Columbus will be the B team’s stiffest team. The Blue Jackets’ lineup will ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Noah Ostlund, other prospects earn another game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres split into two groups Tuesday – the regular team traveled overseas to start the season, while the B group stayed here to complete training camp – a special opportunity materialized for some players.

Prospects and minor leaguers who would’ve normally received little or no action have an extended look as the Sabres complete their preseason schedule.

On Tuesday, a group filled with youngsters and AHL talent won a 3-2 road ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund set to make debuts

BUFFALO – Fresh off two exhibition wins in which they dressed a regular-season lineup and throttled the competition, the Sabres will use minor leaguers for tonight’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Later today, about 25 or so Sabres will leave for the team’s season-opening trip to Europe. Meanwhile, the rest of the training camp roster will stay in Buffalo and complete the preseason schedule.

So tonight’s roster is filled with AHL and ECHL talent. ... Read the full article