Zucker - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres recall prospect from Rochester again; Tyson Kozak close to playing

BUFFALO – Center Noah Ostlund is back with the Sabres following a five-day stint in the minors.

The Sabres this morning recalled the prospect from the Rochester Americans because forwards Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker are sick and out for tonight’s game against the Utah Mammoth at KeyBank Center.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Kulich, who has fluid in his ears, likely won’t play in Thursday’s home contest against the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, Ruff said ... Read the full article

With Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker sick, Sabres could make roster moves

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said forwards Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker are doubtful for Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Mammoth because of illness.

Both players missed today’s practice.

Kulich played one shift in the third period of Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Washington Capitals.... Read the full article

With Zach Benson injured, Isak Rosen earns another chance with Sabres

BUFFALO – After the Sabres assigned wing prospect Isak Rosen to the Rochester Americans, he immediately began a three-week offensive tear, scoring two times opening night and registering five goals and 12 points in his first eight outings.

Fresh off a disappointing training camp with the Sabres, the Swede, 22, quickly established himself as one of the AHL’s elite scorers early in his fourth season.

When winger Zach Benson suffered a lower-body injury – coach ... Read the full article

Sabres send forward prospect back to Rochester Amerks

BUFFALO – In his last outing before the Sabres returned him to the minors, center prospect Noah Ostlund enjoyed his best offensive performance in the NHL, coach Lindy Ruff said, pumping a career-high three shots on goal and attempting four.

The Swede’s effort in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets impressed Ruff, who recently placed him on a scoring line between Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn.

Ostlund, who on Thursday was sent ... Read the full article

After second surgery, long wait, Sabres’ Jordan Greenway ready to play

BUFFALO – Sabres forward Jordan Greenway battled his mid-body injury for nearly a year, enduring stops and starts and undergoing two surgeries to repair it.

Finally, Greenway, who has missed 57 of the Sabres’ last 75 games dating back to last season, is ready to go.

The Canton native is expected to play his first game since March 23 tonight in Boston against the Bruins.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Noah Ostlund looking for first point; Michael Kesselring debuts

BUFFALO – So far, the scoring prowess center Noah Ostlund developed in the AHL – he recorded 18 goals and 34 points over a torrid 32-game stretch before the Sabres summoned him late last season – hasn’t translated to the NHL.

Ostlund began Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in KeyBank Center, his 12th outing with the Sabres, having registered zero points.

Why has the Swede, 21, struggled to produce offense? A couple of ... Read the full article

Following trade, injury, Sabres’ Michael Kesselring excited to be healthy

BUFFALO – Having joined the Sabres as a key piece in an offseason trade, defenseman Michael Kesselring wasn’t about to let an injury derail his first training camp here.

Besides, Kesselring, 25, figured he was only battling a minor ailment.

“I didn’t think it was bad as it got to,” he said this morning after skating with his teammates for the first time since Oct. 1. “I didn’t think it was going to get that ... Read the full article

Jack Quinn scoring goals, developing into one of Sabres’ offensive drivers

BUFFALO – Exactly one year ago, in the early stages of the roughest stretch of his career, Sabres winger Jack Quinn hadn’t scored a goal and had already been scratched.

Today, fresh off a slick one-goal, three-point outing, Quinn has scored three times – that’s as many goals as Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch have combined this season – and is tied for the team lead with six points.

Quinn’s outburst has helped ... Read the full article

Goalie Colten Ellis dazzles in NHL debut, backstops Sabres to win

BUFFALO – In the opening minutes of a goalie’s NHL debut, facing a shot or two and simply feeling the puck can help him calm any nerves and settle into the game.

So as Sabres goalie Colten Ellis waited and waited for his first chance to make a save on Wednesday, it was fair to wonder how he would react.

Well, Ellis, a recent waiver claim who backed up veteran Alex Lyon in the Sabres’ ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jiri Kulich knew he had to change; Buffalo makes roster move

BUFFALO – When Sabres center Jiri Kulich had the puck on his stick earlier this season, instead of carrying it and utilizing his speed, he quickly tried to make a play with it.

“It wasn’t my game I used to play, so I had to change something,” Kulich told the Times Herald prior to Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings in KeyBank Center.

Kulich, 21, struggled so badly Sabres coach Lindy Ruff briefly demoted ... Read the full article