Jeff Skinner and the Sabres struggled for 40 minutes Thursday. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres suffer awful shootout loss to hapless Red Wings

BUFFALO – The 4-3 shootout loss was even hard for Ralph Krueger to spin. The coach explained the Sabres’ inability to convert their chances doomed them Thursday against the hapless Detroit Red Wings. He insisted his reeling team’s effort remained high.

But there’s no getting around the Sabres suffered a humiliating defeat. The Red Wings, the NHL’s worst team, are on pace for the worst season since the NHL implemented the salary cap in 2005.... Read the full article

Jonas Johansson made 18 saves Thursday. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres notes: Jonas Johansson looks solid in first NHL start

BUFFALO – In the midst of an awful stretch during another lost season, goalie Jonas Johansson’s first NHL start Thursday should’ve given the Sabres a spark.

Johansson’s arrival has created some excitement and intrigue. The Swede, 24, has enjoyed a terrific season with the Rochester Americans, winning 13 of his 20 appearances and receiving AHL All-Star honors.

While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been tabbed the Sabres’ goalie of the future, Johansson, a third-round pick in ... Read the full article

Jonas Johansson made a relief appearance Tuesday. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

In dreary season, Jonas Johansson’s first NHL start offers Sabres freshness

BUFFALO – In what has become another dreary season, goalie Jonas Johansson’s first NHL start tonight offers the Sabres some freshness.

Johansson’s arrival has created some excitement and intrigue. The Swede, 24, has enjoyed a terrific season with the Rochester Americans, winning 13 of his 20 appearances and receiving AHL All-Star honors.

While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been tabbed the Sabres’ goalie of the future, Johansson has developed into a strong prospect.

The former third-round pick ... Read the full article

Scott Wilson has spent most of the season in Rochester. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres recall Scott Wilson from Amerks, send Jean-Sebastien Dea back

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled winger Scott Wilson from the Rochester Americans this afternoon and sent forward Jean-Sebastien Dea back to the AHL club.

Dea, 25, went pointless in two appearances during his recall.

Wilson, 27, has spent most of the season with the Amerks, scoring nine goals and 18 points in 27 games. He recorded three goals and four points in five contests after the Sabres sent him Rochester following a two-game recall last ... Read the full article

Rasmus Asplund returned to Rochester during the Sabres’ break. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Prospect Rasmus Asplund could return to Sabres soon

BUFFALO – As expected, the Sabres recalled defenseman Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans on Sunday after the NHL All-Star break ended.

But what about forward Rasmus Asplund, who was sent to the Amerks with Pilut and winger Scott Wilson when the Sabres started their bye last week?

Coach Ralph Krueger said winger Jeff Skinner’s status for Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators and whether the Sabres use seven defensemen will determine if the ... Read the full article

Rasmus Asplund played 28 games with the Sabres. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres send Rasmus Asplund, Scott Wilson and Lawrence Pilut to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres sent forwards Rasmus Asplund and Scott Wilson and defenseman Lawrence Pilut back to the Rochester Americans this morning.

The Sabres’ bye week, which started today, and the NHL All-Star break are back-to-back, so they have eight straight days off. They don’t play again until Jan. 28.

Asplund scored one goal and three points in 28 games during his first NHL stint. The Swede, 22, recently subbed on the top line for injured ... Read the full article

Colin Miller has been a healthy scratch 14 times. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Colin Miller struggling to adjust, earn playing time with Sabres

BUFFALO – In Vegas, Colin Miller spent two seasons as one of the Golden Knights’ top defensemen, eating up minutes and piling up points.

But Miller, who will return tonight against his old team after sitting out two straight games, hasn’t secured a regular spot with the Sabres. Their biggest offseason acquisition – they traded Vegas two draft picks – has been a healthy scratch 14 times.

When Miller has played, he has often ... Read the full article

Sam Reinhart (23) celebrates his second-period goal Saturday afternoon. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres notes: Sam Reinhart’s presence in circle boosting power play

BUFFALO – Long before he developed into a terrific net-front presence in the NHL, Sabres winger Sam Reinhart operated from the circle on the power play.

“It’s a pretty normal spot,” Reinhart said after scoring a power-play goal from the left circle in Saturday afternoon’s 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks inside KeyBank Center.

After moving back there earlier this month, Reinhart has looked comfortable, scoring on two one-timers.

Those goals, believe it or not, ... Read the full article

Carter Hutton hasn’t won a game since Oct. 22. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres goalie Carter Hutton to start against Canucks

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Carter Hutton, who hasn’t won a game since Oct. 22 and has backed up Linus Ullmark the last eight contests, will start this afternoon against the Vancouver Canucks, coach Ralph Krueger said.

Hutton, 34, has struggled since starting the season 6-0-0, compiling a wretched 0-6-4 record with a ghastly 4.19 goals-against average and an .867 save percentage in his last 10 games.

He made his last appearance Dec. 19, making ... Read the full article

Scott Wilson broke his right ankle last season. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres notes: Scott Wilson rewarded for strong start with Amerks

BUFFALO – After winger Scott Wilson broke his right ankle in training camp last season and missed the first three months, he spent five weeks in the minors.

While Wilson, 27, made it back to the NHL – he played 15 late-season games with the Sabres – his recovery was far from over.

“Really dealing with that ankle was a full-year thing for me,” said Wilson, who was injured Sept. 30, 2018.

So when the ... Read the full article