'“That’s what we’re doing with the draft – we’re really projecting them years out,” Karmanos said. “Drafting 17- and 18-year-old kids who haven’t physically developed, you can get tendencies on players, in terms of their ability to play a tough or aggressive style of hockey. Of course we look for players with those elements. Depending on what level they’re playing at, it’s not … [Read more...] about Takeaways from Levi, Karmanos and more at Rochester’s end-of-season press conferences
The Sabres Report - May 29, 2025
The Sabres Report - May 28, 2025
After a big year in Rochester net, Devon Levi hopes his NHL shot is coming
'“I’m super grateful for this year, and I’m excited for next year,” Levi said Tuesday on a video call during Amerks breakup day in Blue Cross Arena. “I feel like I’m ready to play in the NHL, but, obviously, it’s out of my control, and I leave that up to the people in charge, people paid to make that decision. It takes time as a goalie. ... All I can focus on is being the best … [Read more...] about After a big year in Rochester net, Devon Levi hopes his NHL shot is coming
Amerks’ Lukas Rousek leaves Sabres for Sweden; Rochester loses another player
'The Czech played 17 NHL games over parts of two years, scoring one goal and four points. He impressed the Sabres enough he earned a one-way NHL contract for 2024-25.' … [Read more...] about Amerks’ Lukas Rousek leaves Sabres for Sweden; Rochester loses another player
The Sabres Report - May 27, 2025
50 years ago, Rick Dudley bolted from the Sabres to the WHA after the Stanley Cup final, then wanted to come back
'Fifty years ago Tuesday, shortly after the Sabres lost Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final to the Philadelphia Flyers on May 26, 1975, word quickly spread Dudley was bolting town.' … [Read more...] about 50 years ago, Rick Dudley bolted from the Sabres to the WHA after the Stanley Cup final, then wanted to come back
Hamilton Take 2: Thompson's Golden Goal should score spot on US Olympic team
'It was more than goal scoring, which I think helped him. In the three games before the Gold medal game, Thompson didn’t score, but I still think he played well. The thing I think clinched it for him is he played the team game that San Jose Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky wanted his players to play. I could tell the Sabres winger was embracing more of a team concept and … [Read more...] about Hamilton Take 2: Thompson’s Golden Goal should score spot on US Olympic team
The Sabres Report - May 26, 2025
Monday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks' season ends as Laval cruises to Game 5 victory (Buffalo News) Amerks season crashes to an end in 5-0 Game 5 loss to Laval (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Season with Calder Cup hopes ends for Rochester Amerks with loss in Laval (Olean Times Herald) Primeau blanks Rochester as Rocket advance in AHL playoffs (Montreal Gazette) Rocket wins resounding victory and … [Read more...] about Monday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 25, 2025
Inside the NHL: If Sabres are seeking a new voice, Brendan Shanahan would be a good call
'Shanahan is a Stanley Cup winner, a Hall of Fame player, has worked in the league office as the discipline czar and has been at the front door of the Leafs’ rebirth under Marner and Auston Matthews. There have obviously been missteps along the way but you can’t question the Leafs’ regular-season success.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: If Sabres are seeking a new voice, Brendan Shanahan would be a good call
Sunday's Rochester Coverage
Don't overlook this Rocket defender who is hiding behind Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher (Journal de Montreal) RDS2 at 4:30 p.m.: Rocket in survival mode (RDS) Playoff Preview: Amerks and Rocket meet in Winner-Take-All Game 5 (Amerks.com) Game Preview: Make-or-Break Moment Before the Final Clash (RocketLaval.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 24, 2025
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks get North finals to decisive Game 5 with 5-1 win at Laval (Buffalo News) Josh Dunne keys Amerks victory over Rocket; Deciding Game 5 Sunday (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Rochester Americans stave off elimination with 5-1 win over Rocket (Montreal Gazette) 5-1 defeat: Rocket collapsed (Journal de Montreal) Rocket's defeat summed up by Pascal Vincent: "Their best … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 23, 2025
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Success in attack: the Rocket must apply this recipe (Journal de Montreal) Who will be in goal on Friday, Primeau or Fowler? The mystery remains (Journal de Montreal) Rochester Amerks on brink of elimination on Friday; What needs to change? (WHEC-TV) Amerks confident entering Game 4 with season on the line (Amerks.com) Playoff preview: Amerks look to keep season alive in … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 22, 2025
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks are on the brink of elimination as Laval pulls away to win Game 3 (Buffalo News) Amerks' backs are against the wall after third-period barrage sends Laval to victory (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Florian Xhekaj scores gem as Laval Rocket puts Rochester on brink (Montreal Gazette) Photo gallery (Montreal Gazette) The Rocket explodes in the third period and leads … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 21, 2025
As time in Sabres organization possibly nears end, Lukas Rousek starring for Rochester Amerks
'Rousek can become a Group 6 unrestricted free agent following the season because he’s 26 and has played less than 80 NHL games and accrued three professional seasons, according to PuckPedia. The chances of him returning to the Sabres organization appear to be slim. Perhaps he will continue his career in Europe.' … [Read more...] about As time in Sabres organization possibly nears end, Lukas Rousek starring for Rochester Amerks
Are the Buffalo Sabres cursed by a bat? A look back at that memorable game
'Brian Caughel of the Buffalo Bat Habitat has coined it, "The Battered Bat Cup Curse". He has taken a fun approach to marking this anniversary to promote bat conservancy. Caughel and his brother Mark have even gone to the extent of making a fun video, starring "The Bat Shaman", who tells of the curse and what can be done to lift it. The Shaman says Sabres fans can put up bat … [Read more...] about Are the Buffalo Sabres cursed by a bat? A look back at that memorable game
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Laval Rocket banks on home-ice lift as playoff series hits Place Bell (Montreal Gazette) Pascal Vincent reviewed the second match of the series: "We lacked maturity" (Journal de Montreal) Amerks gear up to take on Rocket in Laval on Wednesday with series tied (WHEC-TV) A homecoming for Levi as series shifts to Laval (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 20, 2025
Tuesday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks head coach on Laval: ‘We believe we’re a better hockey team’ (WROC-TV) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Rochester Coverage