‘All eyes were on the Sabres’ net as Luukkonen, their top goaltending prospect, looked crisp in his first action since his 2021 season ended prematurely with a high ankle sprain May 1 in Boston.’
The Sabres Report - September 18, 2021
How the Bills and Sabres vaccine mandate came to be and the question of fairness ★
‘Under the new requirements, anyone planning to attend Buffalo Bills games at Highmark Stadium must have at least one vaccine dose to attend the team’s next home game Sept. 26. For those entering KeyBank Center, the mandate will apply starting Sept. 25 for those going to the Eric Church concert.’
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen developed ‘swagger’ on way up to Sabres ★
‘“It’s just like something you feel during the games,” Luukkonen said of his swagger. “But I think it’s more you build up that confidence. And once you feel like you can play a certain level of game, you get that swagger and you feel like the game slows down in front of you.”’
Should the Vegas Golden Knights Make a Pitch For Jack Eichel? ★
‘The cost, however, would be expensive. Noting the Golden Knights’ limited cap space and Eichel’s $10-million annual average value, Carp suggested offering up Rielly Smith or Jonathan Marchessault ($5- million AAV each) or currently sidelined winger Alex Tuch ($4.75 million). He also estimated the Sabres would want a top prospect like Peyton Krebs and first-and-second round picks over the next two or three seasons.’
Josh Allen looking to continue dominance over Miami Dolphins on Sunday ★
‘Allen was particularly dominant in last season’s Week 2 game against the Dolphins, throwing for 415 yards including four touchdowns with zero interceptions and a whopping 146.7 quarterback rating (the best of his career) leading to a 31-28 Bills win.’
A Buffalo Bills Hall-of-Famer’s wife is tackling the art world ★
‘But she did start creating artwork – and they decided to introduce it to the art community. Thomas and her friend both agreed that it would be best if it wasn’t known who she was – and “The Ghost” was born.’
Luukkonen to start Game 1 of Prospects Challenge for Sabres ★
‘”Of course, it would have been nice to play some more,” he said. “Those things happen and those injuries you really can’t do anything about, you just have to battle through and rehab and be ready when the next chance comes.”‘
5 takeaways | Murray makes a statement in Prospects Challenge opener ★
‘”I just used it to fuel my offseason,” Murray said. “I just wanted even more to get more than two games. I don’t want just to cap it at two. I want to play all 82 games. So, I just used it as fuel.”‘
The Sabres Report - September 17, 2021
Sabres using Prospects Challenge to see if Jack Quinn can help at center ★
‘Amerks coach Seth Appert told reporters Wednesday this is only an audition to see how Quinn transitions to playing down the middle. It’s possible, though, that the organization’s depth chart, including few high-upside options at center, could make this a long-term change if Quinn is successful.’
Sabres to face Maple Leafs at Heritage Classic, outdoors in Hamilton, Ont. ★
‘The league announced Thursday that the Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs will meet in Hamilton, Ont., at Tim Hortons Field, home of the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, for the Heritage Classic on March 13. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m., and since this was supposed to be a home game for Buffalo, the club’s season ticket holders, including those with partial plans, will have a presale opportunity.’