‘A bigger issue is what’s going on elsewhere. The Sabres are trying to chase down Florida and Columbus, both of which entered Wednesday with the longest winning streaks in the league.’
The Sabres Report - January 23, 2020
Sabres and AHL remove Lawrence Pilut from All-Star Game roster ★
‘Buffalo assigned Pilut, 24, to Rochester to continue playing over the break and the Amerks have three games, beginning with Wednesday night’s win over Cleveland. He’s then almost certain to return to his regular spot on the Buffalo blueline and the team wants him here for practice to prepare for the post-break portion of the season.’
Sabres prospect Lawrence Pilut ‘unavailable’ for AHL All-Star Classic ★
‘Rochester Americans defenseman Lawrence Pilut will be “unavailable” for Sunday’s AHL All-Star Classic, the league announced today, meaning the Buffalo Sabres likely plan to recall the Swede early next week.’
Sabres need hot streak after break ★
‘There’s still time to turn around their fortunes, but the Sabres’ blazing 8-1-1 start to the season seems a distant memory for a team that has gone 14-19-6 since then.’
Sabres' Pilut will not play in the AHL All-Star Game ★
‘Another indication that Pilut will be back for practice on Sunday is the AHL has announced that Pilut will be unavailable for the AHL All-Star game this weekend in Ontario, California. Pilut has been an All-Star in both seasons he played in the American Hockey League, but he will not have played in either game.’
Eichel to make 3rd All-Star appearance this weekend ★
‘”We believe everybody has a leadership responsibility in the team and needs to carry that when the opportunity is there, whether it’s for a few minutes in a day or whether it’s for an hour,” Krueger said. “Jack is embracing that as the ultimate captain and leader of the group.”‘
Thursday's Rochester Coverage ★
Sabres’ Rasmus Asplund tests his development in return to AHL (Buffalo News)
Meet the Amerks: Nathan Paetsch (WROC-TV)
Amerks halt skid with overtime win in Cleveland (Amerks.com)
Monsters pick up point in 3-2 loss to Amerks (ClevelandMonsters.com)
The Sabres Report - January 22, 2020
Season is pretty much over if Sabres don't take advantage of next stretch ★
‘But it’s not just the lengthy homestand that gives Buffalo an opportunity, it’s also a softer part of the schedule. Other than a daunting Feb. 4 game against the Colorado Avalanche, the Sabres will play an extensive number of games against also-rans and teams similarly sitting in the muddied middle of the standings.’
The Sabres Report - January 21, 2020
Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen returns to ECHL ★
‘The Sabres mapped out a plan months ago for Luukkonen to be in Rochester last week. The goal is for him to play about 40 games this season.’
Amerks send Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to ECHL ★
‘Luukkonen has been stellar for the Cyclones, compiling a 12-5-3 record with a 2.12 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage and three shutouts in 20 games. He is scheduled to play in Wednesday’s ECHL All-Star Game.’