'As soon as Ruff finished his thought, Adams added that his “huge amount of faith in UPL” won’t prevent the Sabres from trying to upgrade their goaltending following a 14th consecutive season out of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The statement raised questions about Luukkonen’s future in Buffalo less than 12 months after he signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract that cemented … [Read more...] about UPL or Devon Levi may be Sabres’ most realistic goalie options with few available
Archives for April 2025
After ending season on tear, will Sabres’ James Reimer retire or keep playing?
'If the Sabres want an experienced goalie next season, Reimer, if he chooses to play another year, would possibly be their top choice.' … [Read more...] about After ending season on tear, will Sabres’ James Reimer retire or keep playing?
Season in Review | Zach Benson
'Benson’s style of play had utility up and down the lineup, on the left and right wings. He didn’t truly settle into a line until the final 13 games, when he, Jiri Kulich and Tage Thompson formed a highly effective trio. Beginning March 25, with that group on the ice at 5-on-5, the Sabres outshot their opponents 78-59 and outscored them 9-8. Benson did a lot of the dirty work … [Read more...] about Season in Review | Zach Benson
Sabres prospect Osburn named USHL Defenseman of the Year
'Osburn, a fourth-round draft pick by the Sabres in 2024, leveled up in his second season with the Youngstown Phantoms. The 18-year-old tied for fourth among USHL defensemen with 41 points (10+31) in 55 games – his 0.75 points per game led qualified blueliners – while logging a plus-10 rating.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Osburn named USHL Defenseman of the Year
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks hope to finish the war Thursday (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage
Which Sabres are staying? Who may be leaving? 5 players to watch this offseason
'Ruff’s influence has grown since his return in April 2024, and he’ll have a say on how the Sabres use the approximately $21.4 million available in salary-cap space for next season. Defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Connor Clifton may be on the hot seat. Jack Quinn’s status may also be uncertain as Buffalo tries to snap a 14-year playoff drought. He will need to earn a spot in … [Read more...] about Which Sabres are staying? Who may be leaving? 5 players to watch this offseason
Sabres AHL: Kale Clague grabs starring role for Rochester Amerks in playoffs
'Clague’s four points are tied for the postseason lead with five other players. His two goals and nine shots on goal also top the Amerks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres AHL: Kale Clague grabs starring role for Rochester Amerks in playoffs
Season in Review | JJ Peterka
'Peterka evolved as a playmaker during his third NHL season, shattering his previous career-high totals with 41 assists and 68 points. His average ice time of 18:11 was nearly two minutes higher than his previous best.' … [Read more...] about Season in Review | JJ Peterka
Season in Review | Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
'Although the cumulative results fell short of expectations, Luukkonen did put together some solid stretches of play. He went 8-4-1 with a .910 save percentage before Buffalo’s 13-game winless streak and 10-4-1 with a .904 save percentage immediately following the streak. And he ended the season on a high note with a .923 mark between his last two starts.' … [Read more...] about Season in Review | Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Monday's Rochester Coverage
Jiri Kulich's goal helps Rochester take 2-0 lead in playoff series against Syracuse (Buffalo News0 Amerks shut out Crunch to take two-game series lead in AHL playoffs (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Sabres prospect Devon Levi, Jiri Kulich star as Rochester Amerks grab 2-0 lead (Olean Times Herald) Amerks take a commanding 2-0 lead as Levi shuts out Syracuse (WGR-AM) Levi … [Read more...] about Monday’s Rochester Coverage
Inside the NHL: As his second chance comes in Seattle, reflections on Jason Botterill's time as Sabres GM
'In 2019, old friend Lindy Ruff wanted the Sabres job back six years after he was fired. But Botterill wasn’t interested. Instead, he was at the world championships in Slovakia getting sold a bill of goods by quick-talking Ralph Krueger. We’ll never know how Sabres history would have been different if Botterill and the Pegulas hadn’t succumbed to the charade of the worst coach … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: As his second chance comes in Seattle, reflections on Jason Botterill’s time as Sabres GM
After run with Sabres, ‘Mr. Responsible’ Tyson Kozak hopes to impact Rochester
'His gritty, mature style might entrench him on the Sabres’ third or fourth line for years.' … [Read more...] about After run with Sabres, ‘Mr. Responsible’ Tyson Kozak hopes to impact Rochester
Season in Review | Tage Thompson
'From Jan. 20-on, nobody in the league scored more goals than Thompson (25). That scorching 36-game stretch included two hat tricks, three two-goal games and, in early April, eight goals during the Sabres’ five-game winning streak. At season’s end, his 44 goals were tied with Alex Ovechkin for third most in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Season in Review | Tage Thompson
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Fourth-liners Brendan Warren, Riley Fiddler-Schultz help Rochester Amerks rally to win playoff opener (Olean Times Herald) Amerks take down Syracuse in Game 1 (WROC-TV) Levi, depth scoring power Amerks to Game 1 victory (Sabres.com) Amerks edge rival Crunch in Game 1 (TheAHL.com) Amerks rally for 3-2 win to take playoff opener over Crunch (Amerks.com) Crunch Downed By … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
How can Sabres center Jiri Kulich improve in the playoffs with Rochester?
'“I think ‘Kuli’ is an unbelievable player, and he’s going to be for a long time in this league, and I think the Sabre fans should be extremely excited about him and his game,” said Zucker. “I think the one thing that I think gets overlooked with him more than anything else is just, like, the matchups he had this year.' … [Read more...] about How can Sabres center Jiri Kulich improve in the playoffs with Rochester?