Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen evolving with Amerks, handling load Sabres expect

ROCHESTER – While the Buffalo Sabres list Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as the same size as last year, his 6-foot-5, 217-pound frame is noticeably leaner. On the ice, the goalie is more agile and composed, showcasing a mature style as the Americans’ workhorse.

The genesis of Luukkonen’s transformation can be traced to his productive summer. In years past, injuries often hampered his offseason training. In 2021, for example, he suffered a season-ending left ankle sprain. In 2019, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin named NHL’s First Star after record-setting week

A record-setting stretch in which Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin extended his season-opening goal streak to five games has earned him NHL First Star honors for the week ending Sunday.

Dahlin, 22, scored in all three games last week and compiled five points and a plus-5 rating, helping the Sabres open their four-game road trip 3-0-0.

In last Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers, Dahlin became the first NHL defenseman since the Tampa Bay ... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday added defense depth by recalling Kale Clague from the Rochester Americans.

After Mattias Samuelsson suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 5-1 road win over the Vancouver Canucks, they had only six healthy defensemen on the roster.

Coach Don Granato told reporters following the game the early news on Samuelsson’s injury was positive. Still, he will likely miss some time.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Don Granato says early news on Mattias Samuelsson’s injury ‘positive’

When Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson twisted his right leg and had to be helped off the ice early in Saturday’s second period, coach Don Granato said he was holding his breath.

“You’re wondering what kind of news you’re going to get,” Granato told reporters in Vancouver following the Sabres’ 5-1 win over the Canucks.

Granato said while the Sabres won’t know more about Samuelsson’ lower-body injury until today, the early word is “positive.”... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman Lawrence Pilut from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon recalled defenseman Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres, having lost Henri Jokiharju to an injury early in Thursday’s 6-3 road win over the Calgary Flames, had only five healthy defensemen on the roster.

Coach Don Granato told reporters following the game he did not have an update on Jokiharju, who was struck in the face by Sabres captain Kyle Okposo’s shot early in the first period.... Read the full article

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin scores another goal, sets NHL record

Right now, you might be watching Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin take his first steps into superstardom.

Dahlin, 22, scored again in Thursday’s 6-3 road win over the Calgary Flames, slipping into the slot and beating goalie Jacob Markstrom 10:49 into the game.

In putting the Sabres up 2-1, the Swede made history, becoming the first NHL defenseman to score a goal in each of his team’s first four games to start a season.... Read the full article

After demotion by Sabres to Rochester, Anders Bjork embraces fresh chance

ROCHESTER – Prior to scoring Wednesday’s overtime winner, Americans winger Anders Bjork looked rusty in his season debut.

Having served as the Sabres’ 14th forward before clearing waivers on Tuesday, he hadn’t played in 12 days. He joined the Amerks the morning of their 4-3 win against the Belleville Senators, participated in a short skate and was thrown into the lineup.

Not surprisingly, Bjork, a veteran of 211 NHL games, struggled at times to win ... Read the full article

Sabres to wear Reverse Retro blue and gold ‘Goathead’ jersey eight times

Get ready to see a new twist on a popular Buffalo Sabres jersey.

The NHL on Thursday unveiled a blue and gold version of the “Goathead” jersey the team wore from 1996 to 2006.

The Reverse Retro white alternate jersey by Adidas will be worn eight times this season, starting Nov. 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Anders Bjork clears waivers, assigned to Amerks by Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday assigned forward Anders Bjork to the Rochester Americans after he cleared waivers.

Bjork, 26, lost his spot in the lineup late last season and never regained it. The Sabres scratched him for the first two games this season.

The 6-foot, 197-pound Bjork hasn’t played in the AHL since a seven-game stint with the Providence Bruins in 2019-20. He has spent most of his career in the NHL, making just 29 ... Read the full article

‘Russian bear’ Ilya Lyubushkin gives Sabres’ defense much-needed grit

BUFFALO – There are two distinct sides of Sabres newcomer Ilya Lyubushkin.

There’s the gritty, high-octane defenseman who’s detested by opponents. When Lyubushkin’s on the ice, you better have your head on a swivel.

“He’s a Russian bear,” captain Kyle Okposo said Monday in KeyBank Center after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s road game against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. “We enjoy having him on our side, for sure. He plays a hard ... Read the full article