'The crowd in KeyBank Center bellowed, “Luuuuuk!” And Luukkonen, once the Sabres’ top goaltending prospect, the rest of the game showed why his poise and precision in the crease earned him a third consecutive start.' … [Read more...] about Sabres observations: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stakes claim to crease with shutout win
Archives for January 2024
Mike Harrington: No slip-ups for Sabres against Sharks. Repeat it Wednesday
'To their credit, the Sabres didn't get jittery and make a foolish mistake as their shutout string pushed 92 minutes dating to Thursday night. They kept pushing possession in the offensive zone before Mittelstadt finally leaked a 40-foot shot through San Jose goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to break the ice at 11:34 of the second.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: No slip-ups for Sabres against Sharks. Repeat it Wednesday
Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stars in shutout, emerging as Sabres’ starter
'But since Dec. 30, Luukkonen, who posted a 28-save shutout in Monday afternoon’s 3-0 win over the hapless San Jose Sharks, has emerged as the Sabres’ top option again.' … [Read more...] about Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stars in shutout, emerging as Sabres’ starter
Tuesday's San Jose Coverage
Missed opportunities cost Sharks in loss to Buffalo Sabres (San Jose Mercury News) Sharks’ Couture out for remainder of trip; team lands in windy, snowy Buffalo (San Jose Mercury News) Photo gallery (Sabres.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s San Jose Coverage
Luukkonen gets his second shutout of the season, Sabres beat Sharks 3-0
'“I talked about how well we’ve been playing as a team, and that gives me confidence, too,” Luukkonen said. “I think that’s a key as a goalie, when you have confidence and you feel good in the net, that kind of boosts your own game, too. Just I feel like getting a couple good starts in a row helps a lot, too. Getting trust from your coaching staff, too. It’s all those things … [Read more...] about Luukkonen gets his second shutout of the season, Sabres beat Sharks 3-0
Luukkonen earns second shutout as Sabres blank Sharks
'Finally, the Sabres were able to solve their scoring slump with a couple of goals in the middle stanza.' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen earns second shutout as Sabres blank Sharks
Opinion: Luukkonen giving Sabres chances to win in recent games
'Luukkonen was making his third-straight start and made 28 saves for his second-career shutout. Luukkonen has given up one goal in his last two games, and five goals in his last four starts.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Luukkonen giving Sabres chances to win in recent games
Luukkonen, Sabres hand Sharks 14th loss in past 15
'"I talked about how well we've been playing as a team, and that gives me confidence, too," Luukkonen said. "I mean, I think that's a key as a goalie, when you have confidence and you feel good in the net, that kind of boosts your own game, too. Just I feel like getting a couple good starts in a row helps a lot, too. Getting trust from your coaching staff, too. It's all those … [Read more...] about Luukkonen, Sabres hand Sharks 14th loss in past 15
Luukkonen's 28-save shutout leads Sabres to victory over Sharks
'“The decision is easy that we would go with him today and the other day,” Granato said. “But the real reason Upie was in is because he played well and he’s in rhythm. He’s been good and he continues to get better.”' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen’s 28-save shutout leads Sabres to victory over Sharks
JJ Peterka establishing himself as one of Sabres’ top scorers in second year
'Peterka, who turned 22 on Sunday, has emerged as perhaps the Sabres’ most improved player through 43 games this season.' … [Read more...] about JJ Peterka establishing himself as one of Sabres’ top scorers in second year
Monday's San Jose Coverage
After long delay, Sharks arrive in Buffalo amid powerful snowstorm (San Jose Mercury News) Buffalo and San Jose take the ice in out-of-conference matchup (AP) Game Preview: Sharks at Sabres (SJSharks.com) … [Read more...] about Monday’s San Jose Coverage
Observations: Sabres lose Mattias Samuelsson to injury in 1-0 shutout loss
'It was an impressive defensive performance by the Sabres, who played with five defensemen for most of the game because Mattias Samuelsson was unable to return to the game after he was elbowed in the head during the first shift of the second period. They didn’t do enough to score against Demko, though. Buffalo had one 5-on-5 high-danger scoring chance after the first period, … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres lose Mattias Samuelsson to injury in 1-0 shutout loss
Inside the NHL: It's a record time for winning streaks, except in Buffalo
'The frustration to string wins together grows even more when you consider what’s going on elsewhere around the league.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: It’s a record time for winning streaks, except in Buffalo
Sabres generate offense, still lose to Canucks; Mattias Samuelsson leaves game with head injury
'The Sabres, of course, started the game with six defensemen. But 13 seconds into the second period, Filip Hronek elbowed Mattias Samuelsson in the head, knocking him into concussion protocol out of the contest. At the 4:02, J.T. Miller elbowed Rasmus Dahlin, sending him into concussion protocol until late in the period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres generate offense, still lose to Canucks; Mattias Samuelsson leaves game with head injury
Sunday's Vancouver Coverage
Canucks 1, Sabres 0: Vancouver grinds its way to a hard-fought win (Vancouver Province) Canucks Takeways: Demko continues to shine behind stout defensive structure (Sportsnet) Demko Blanks Buffalo, Notches Fourth Shutout of the Season (Canucks.com) Photo gallery (Sabres.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Vancouver Coverage