Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

After battling adversity, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen becoming No. 1 goalie Sabres envisioned

BUFFALO – That miraculous save was a result of Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s experience and growing confidence, not luck.

Sure, it helped that Jimmy Vesey couldn’t lift the puck high as Luukkonen lunged across the crease during the third period of Monday’s 5-1 road win over the New York Rangers.

Still, the Finn, Sabres coach Don Granato explained, now reads plays so well he knew Vesey was lurking in the left circle, waiting for Erik ... Read the full article

Sabres believe goalie Devon Levi will embrace assignment to Rochester, develop with Amerks

BUFFALO – As the Sabres’ decision-makers examined the upcoming schedule, they saw saw limited opportunities here for rookie goalie Devon Levi.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has emerged as the Sabres’ best goalie, and they want to award him more starts. If they kept three netminders, Levi would’ve played perhaps once a week. Following tonight’s road game against the St. Louis Blues, the Sabres play 15 times in December, meaning practice time will be limited.

So on Tuesday, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Team Canada wants Zach Benson; Buffalo had interest in signing Patrick Kane

BUFFALO – In Monday’s 5-1 road win over the New York Rangers, the NHL’s best team, Sabres rookie Zach Benson played a career-high 18 minutes, 28 seconds.

Benson, 18, spent the night skating left wing on the second line alongside center Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka and on the second power-play unit.

“In a game like that against a top team in Madison Square Garden, he was calm, he made a lot of plays, he ... Read the full article

Sabres make recall, send prospect Jiri Kulich back to Rochester Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Wednesday recalled winger Brandon Biro from the Rochester Americans and sent rookie winger Jiri Kulich back to the AHL club.

Kulich’s assignment means winger Jordan Greenway, who has missed the last three games because of personal reasons, will likely return for tonight’s road contest against the St. Louis Blues.

Biro, Kulich and Greenway all practiced Wednesday.... Read the full article

Sabres send rookie goalie Devon Levi to Rochester Amerks

As Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen recently emerged as the Buffalo Sabres’ top option in net, the end of their three-goalie rotation seemed imminent.

In winning three straight starts, Luukkonen has performed like the No. 1 netminder the Sabres envisioned years ago.

Something had to give and on Tuesday the Sabres sent rookie goalie Devon Levi, who started the first four games this season, to the Rochester Americans.

Going forward, Luukkonen will likely be the starter and be ... Read the full article

Sabres recall top prospects Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen from Amerks

Buffalo Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen this afternoon both earned their first recalls to the NHL.

The forwards have enjoyed terrific seasons with the Rochester Americans, establishing themselves as two of the AHL’s top young scorers.

Kulich, 19, has registered a team-high 11 goals – the league’s third-highest total – and 17 points in 16 games this season. Meanwhile, Rosen, 20, has recorded eights goals and a team-high 19 points – the league’s ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back after Kyle Okposo talk, beat Penguins; Buffalo likely to recall forward from Amerks

BUFFALO – By the end of Friday’s second period, the Sabres had reached what captain Kyle Okposo acknowledged was a desperate situation.

Most of the season, they haven’t showcased the aggressive style that made their offense so lethal last year. They’ve struggled to score goals and find any consistency.

After 40 minutes against the Penguins, the Sabres trailed 2-0 and were in danger of losing for the fifth time in six outings.... Read the full article

Mature style, skill help Sabres rookie Zach Benson earn spot in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Forget, for a moment, about the dynamic goal Sabres winger Zach Benson scored Wednesday.

Seconds before Benson, 18, utilized a scintillating between-the-legs backhand to beat Washington Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper for his first NHL goal, he made two subtle plays that belied his age.

The maturity the rookie showcased – coach Don Granato called the plays “significant” – helps illustrate why the Sabres have chosen to keep him, at least for now.

Benson, ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Isak Rosen becoming slick scorer, one of Amerks’ ‘drivers’

ROCHESTER – As a rookie barely a year ago, Buffalo Sabres prospect Isak Rosen would’ve been firmly planted on the bench with the Americans clinging to a late one-goal lead.

“I couldn’t fathom putting him on the ice in an empty-net situation 13 months ago,” Amerks coach Seth Appert said following Monday’s practice in Blue Cross Arena.

But Rosen, 20, has developed into what Appert called one of the Amerks’ “drivers” and quietly become one ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich off to torrid start with Amerks, recall not on mind

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich was a force that night, utilizing his 6-foot-1, 186-pound frame and setting three career highs for the Americans.

Kulich, 19, did not score a goal or even assist on one. No, he registered personal bests in puck battles, hits and takeaways on Nov. 10 in a 4-3 win over the Utica Comets, according to Amerks coach Seth Appert.

“All in the same game,” Appert said following Monday’s practice ... Read the full article