Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

As struggling Sabres look for answers, Lindy Ruff could change lineup

MONTREAL – In October, just a few games into the season, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff might offer little or no information about his lineup. So right now, in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he’s not going to divulge anything.

The Sabres, having fallen behind 2-1 to the Canadiens in the best-of-seven series and been outscored 11-3 in losing the last two games, might be ready to change some things for Game 4 ... Read the full article

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

Sabres notes: Buffalo changes lineup by inserting Sam Carrick; Beck Malenstyn keeps playing after cut

MONTREAL – Buffalo Sabres center Sam Carrick, who made his NHL debut way back in 2014-15, had only experienced the Stanley Cup Playoffs once prior to this season.

Two years ago, after Edmonton acquired him before the trade deadline, he played 10 games during the Oilers’ run to Game 7 of the Cup final.

Carrick served as a depth piece, moving in and out of the lineup.... Read the full article

Sabres expect Bell Centre atmosphere to be raucous; Buffalo could make one lineup change

MONTREAL – How crazy might it get tonight inside the Bell Centre?

The NHL’s largest rink becomes raucous on a weeknight in November. How loud might the more than 21,000 fans get for Game 3 of the second-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs between their beloved Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres?

“Our building’s been great,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said this morning in the 4 Seasons Hotel Montreal. “I think theirs will be equal, ... 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

Sabres struggle as Canadiens tie series at 1; Tage Thompson has rough night

BUFFALO – Almost four minutes into Friday’s third period, with the Sabres trailing 3-1 and furiously trying to score, center Tage Thompson grabbed the puck inside the Montreal blue line and lost his balance as he began stickhandling.

As Thompson fell and spun around, Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier snagged the loose puck and zoomed down the ice on a two-on-one, beating Sabres goalie Alex Lyon from the left circle.

“Just fighting it tonight,” Thompson said ... Read the full article

Two years after trade, Sabres’ Bowen Byram earning place among NHL’s elite defensemen

BUFFALO – In watching Bowen Byram elevate his play and morph into one of the most dynamic performers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin has noticed the defenseman possesses a special attitude.

“You just see he’s got that F-you mentality on the ice,” Dahlin said. “He’s a hell of a competitor. … He just goes in to every game with no respect, just doing his own thing, and team is kind of ... Read the full article

With Sabres’ Tyson Kozak playing well, Sam Carrick has extra time to recover from injury

BUFFALO – If the Sabres had a seventh and deciding game tonight, you likely would see center Sam Carrick return from his left arm injury.

“I think you’d look at it that you’d probably put him in,” coach Lindy Ruff said this morning in KeyBank Center after the Sabres prepared for Game 2 of their second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.

But it’s still early in the series. Tyson Kozak, 23, has filled in ... Read the full article

In midst of ‘crazy’ year and playoff run, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin named Norris Trophy finalist: ‘It’s unreal’

BUFFALO – When the season ends, Rasmus Dahlin said, he will talk about it. Right now, it’s hard for the Sabres captain to reflect on what he has experienced over the past year.

Dahlin, 26, simply wants to look forward tonight’s contest, Game 2 of the Sabres’ second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center. The Sabres on Tuesday won Game 1 of the best-of-seven series 4-2.

“I’ll just say it’s been a ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Buffalo looks stronger at home versus Canadiens; Alex Lyon able to adapt over years

BUFFALO – Looking back, coach Lindy Ruff believes a slew of factors contributed to the Sabres’ weak start at home in the first round against the Boston Bruins.

“The combination of anxiety, nerves, first time, too amped up, not focused on how we really need to play, versus kind of running around and wasting a lot of energy doing things that we don’t need to be doing in that first game,” he said Thursday in ... Read the full article