Buffalo News

‘With fans and media gawking at Peterka’s elite skating stride and Quinn’s switch to center, it was Murray who was the standout of the Buffalo Sabres’ two Prospects Challenge games. He scored a goal in both exhibitions, capped by his power-play redirect in the first period of a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.’

‘The Sabres don’t want Pekar to tone down his game. They need him to refine it, to become a mature pro. They need a lot more players who are tough to play against.’

‘Later in the fall, the same rules will apply at KeyBank Center, home of the Sabres and, as with Highmark Stadium, not just for hockey or football games. The rule applies to all events in those facilities. And, on Friday, Shea’s Performing Arts Center adopted a similar rule for all its theaters.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘“I was like, so curious about it, so excited the whole last year,” beamed Peterka. “Then first I had visa problems getting here, so that was another problem. But I’m finally here, and I like it.”’

‘• It will be fun to watch actual hockey games this weekend, but this is the worst Prospects Challenge roster I’ve ever seen. There are more free agents on it than actual prospects because NCAA guys such as Owen Power, Ryan Johnson and Devon Levi and many overseas players aren’t here. My point-of-emphasis guy this weekend will be J-J Peterka, because this is the first time we’ve seen the German in a Buffalo setting. Rochester coach Seth Appert said Peterka was “buzzing” at finally being in town.’

‘The Sabres’ roster has fewer tantalizing names than in years past – recent No. 1 pick Owen Power is in Ann Arbor preparing for his sophomore season at the University of Michigan – and the showcase is down to three teams because the Pittsburgh Penguins chose not to attend.’