WGR

'Houser played 65 AHL games in his first two season of pro hockey and then only had eight more in the next six years. The Sabres had already had five goalies start a game for them this season, but injuries to three of them and personal reasons for Dustin Tokarski put 28-year-old Michael Houser in the Buffalo net.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Michael Houser beats the odds and then beat the Islanders

'Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was injured at the end of the second period while the Sabres were on the penalty kill. The rookie goaltender was helped off the ice favoring his left leg.' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen injured in Sabres’ loss to Boston

'If this is the end of Luukkonen’s season, he will finish 1-3-0 with a 3.88 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. In Rochester this season, he was 7-5-2 with a 3.60 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Luukkonen’s injury very unfortunate; No word on severity yet

'“He has a calm to him that’s way beyond his years. If you knew his father you would understand why," the Sabres interim head coach said following Friday's practice. "He’s a player that’s benefited from having a father that was a very good NHL player. He’s been around the game since he’s been a kid, and you can see it's pretty second nature for him, because he does have a real … [Read more...] about Samuelsson: There have been stages to my growth as a player

'The game did not stay tied long, though, as Boston forward Charlie Coyle cashed in on a Reinhart turnover six minutes later. Coyle's sixth goal of the season made it 3-2 Bruins with 12:02 to play in regulation.' … [Read more...] about Poor third period dooms Sabres against Bruins

'Luukkonen had faced 40 or more shots in both of his starts before Thursday. Boston put 39 shots on him, but Granato said that prime scoring chances-against have been cut way down.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres made too many third period mistakes to lose in Boston

'In 540 career games with the Sabres, Miller finished as the franchise's all-time leader in games played, wins (240) and saves (14,847). He also finished second in team history behind Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hasek with a .916 save percentage, and third with a career 2.58 goals-against average behind Hasek and Martin Biron.' … [Read more...] about Ryan Miller announces retirement at conclusion of 2020-21 season

'In my mind, Miller only ranks behind Dominik Hasek, Roger Crozier and Tom Barrasso in Sabres history. Following the 2009-10 season, Miller won the Vezina Trophy thanks to a career-best .929 save percentage in 69 games played.' … [Read more...] about In 18 years, Ryan Miller left it all on the ice

'The Sabres rookie was upset with that play and some others the past few games so when Kevin Rooney rammed Drake Caggiula into the boards from behind, the youngest player on the team showed up to defend him. Cozens felt he needed to do something to help the team. “The hit didn’t look too good and I wasn’t too happy with my own play these last couple of games and especially that … [Read more...] about Sabres Cozens wanted to do something to help the team on Tuesday

'In the two-game set against the Rangers, the blue and gold were out-scored 9-4.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can’t capitalize against Rangers in loss

'It was one of those periods where I told Brian Koziol at intermission that you dominate a period like that and then let the opponent off the hook, it often comes back to haunt you and sure enough, at 2:22 of the second period, Dylan Cozens made an ill advised pass right up the middle. It got out to the point to Brendan Smith. Jacob Bryson totally screened Luukkonen and the … [Read more...] about Opinion: There were lots of chances and lots of shots, but the Sabres still lost 3-1

'With Reinhart in his contract year, you have to wonder how high his price tag can go as he continues to play big minutes as their number one center for the Sabres. He's producing and showing that he could be a great piece to keep hold of in the future for the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Three Observations: Sabres can’t spoil possible Rangers’ playoff run

'Zibanejad completed the hat-trick early in the second period, as he squeaked a tough-angle shot between Tokarski and the left-post. It took the Rangers forward just 22:05 of game time to achieve the three-goal effort.' … [Read more...] about Rangers double up Sabres on Sunday

'New York is a team that is successful when it has extreme puck movement that goes north, south east and west. They certainly had that in the first period leaving the Sabres out of position, unaware and badly confused.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: The Sabres tightened up after one period, but it was too late

'This one felt out of reach after just 20 or so minutes, with the Rangers going up by three goals early in the second period.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Three observations: Zibanejad has his day against Sabres