Zucker - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres implode after fast start in loss to Canadiens, fall behind in series: ‘Some adversity for us’

MONTREAL – Center Tage Thompson sat at his stall on Sunday, sounding unshaken as he calmly answered questions from a throng of reporters following the Buffalo Sabres’ ugly 6-2 loss to the Canadiens.

In losing by four goals for the second consecutive game, the Sabres fell behind 2-1 in the best-of-seven second-round series.

In the Canadiens, the Sabres, the NHL’s best team over the last five months, have possibly met their match.... Read the full article

After loss to Canadiens, Sabres regroup, change power play: ‘Shake it up’

MONTREAL – The Buffalo Sabres experienced this earlier in the postseason. Fresh off an emotional Game 1 win at home, they followed up with a lousy performance, allowing their opponent to tie the series before they hit the road.

Against the Bruins, the Sabres showcased an emphatic response following a tough loss, winning the next two games in Boston and seizing control of the series.

So, what might happen tonight and Tuesday against the Canadiens ... Read the full article

Nerves and playing too safe hurt Sabres as they tried to eliminate Bruins

BUFFALO – In the Sabres’ first attempt to eliminate the Boston Bruins, coach Lindy Ruff said he sensed some nerves in his players.

Remember, 13 Sabres have made their debuts in the Stanley Cup Playoffs during their first-round series. Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime loss in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series taught them finishing off an opponent is one heck of a challenge.

Fresh off a five-goal victory in Boston, the Sabres, who lead the series ... Read the full article

Sabres lose game to Bruins in OT, Noah Ostlund to injury: ‘It doesn’t look good’

BUFFALO – Since the Sabres morphed into an NHL heavyweight almost five months ago, they’ve lost three consecutive games just once.

Their ability to quickly put away games – good and bad – has helped them showcase remarkable consistency.

For the Sabres to lose their first-round playoff series, they would have to drop three straight games.

The postseason, of course, is a different animal. Still, since early December, the Sabres, who on Tuesday lost 2-1 ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Peyton Krebs thriving in first playoff action; Josh Norris misses another game

BUFFALO – As he rounded out his game, developing into a versatile, high-octane presence, Sabres winger Peyton Krebs wanted to tailor his style to meet the rigors of playoff hockey.

“That’s what I try to base my game off, you know?” Krebs told the Times Herald on Tuesday prior to Game 5 of the Sabres’ first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins. “Compete, grit, get in battles, make plays under high pressure.”

Those qualities have ... Read the full article

Josh Norris could miss another game as Sabres try to close out Bruins

BUFFALO – Coach Lindy Ruff said this morning that forwards Josh Norris, Tyson Kozak and Jason Zucker are all available to play tonight in Game 5 as the Sabres try to clinch their first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins.

But will they all play?

Norris did not take any line rushes during the morning skate and was one of the last Sabres off the ice, meaning he will likely miss his third straight game ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris could play Game 5; Nikita Zadorov fined for cross-check

BUFFALO – Coach Lindy Ruff said forwards Josh Norris, Tyson Kozak and Jason Zucker are all still being evaluated but probable tonight for Game 5 of the Sabres’ first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins.

The Sabres lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. If they win, they will clinch their first series since 2007.

Norris has missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury. Kozak and Zucker both left Sunday afternoon’s 6-1 win in Boston ... Read the full article

Sabres dominate Bruins, take 3-1 series lead: ‘Best period we played all year’

BOSTON – Just over four minutes into Sunday afternoon’s 6-1 annihilation of the Bruins, Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson hectored an opponent along the wall, freeing the puck for linemate Alex Tuch to grab in the offensive zone.

When Tuch reached the right circle, he fed winger Peyton Krebs in the slot, and the winger quickly beat goalie Jeremy Swayman.

The goal at 4:17, the Sabres’ first in the opening 20 minutes during the Stanley Cup ... Read the full article

Mattias Samuelsson’s memorable goal in Sabres’ playoff opener result of skill and luck

BUFFALO – With about 3:30 left in the third period of Sunday’s Stanley Cup Playoffs opener and the game tied at 2, the Sabres shot the puck in the Boston Bruins zone and went to work creating the go-ahead goal in their thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 victory.

After goalie Jeremy Swayman stopped the puck for Hampus Lindholm behind the net, Sabres winger Jack Quinn expected the defenseman to rim it around the boards.

But Lindholm broke ... Read the full article

Sabres rest top players against Stars as attention turns to Bruins in playoffs

BUFFALO – The outcome of Wednesday’s regular-season finale, a 4-3 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars, is irrelevant.

The Sabres, having clinched the Atlantic Division and locked into a first-round series against the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, scratched five of their best players and dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

Tyson Kozak, a fourth-line center or spare forward, pivoted the Sabres’ top line. Coach Lindy Ruff used three defensemen on the second ... Read the full article