'"He's a very determined coach, very hungry, very smart," Cozens said Thursday from Budapest while preparing for the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague, Czechia. "He obviously means a lot to the city of Buffalo. He wants it really bad and so do we. I'm excited to see how he is as a coach. It's going to be fun."' … [Read more...] about Sabres ‘ready to get going’ for new coach Ruff
The Sabres Report - May 11, 2024
'I wouldn't give it up for anything' | Levi reflects on rookie year as Amerks' run comes to an end
'Levi went 16-6-4 with a .927 save percentage, the best mark in the AHL among qualified goaltenders, and was one of several young contributors to the Amerks’ success. Second-year forwards Isak Rosen and Jiri Kulich – two first-round picks by the Sabres – led Rochester in points and goals, respectively. Rookie defensemen Ryan Johnson and Nikitia Novikov were lineup regulars.' … [Read more...] about ‘I wouldn’t give it up for anything’ | Levi reflects on rookie year as Amerks’ run comes to an end
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks' season ends with Game 5 loss, but the 'culture' the Sabres built remains (Buffalo News) Photo gallery (Buffalo News) Rochester Amerks season comes to an end with 5-2 playoff loss in Game 5 to Syracuse Crunch (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Rochester Amerks’ season ends with loss to Syracuse: ‘That one stings’ (Olean Times Herald) Brett Murray developing in … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 10, 2024
Amerks' latest high-stakes playoff game an opportunity for Sabres' prospects to grow
'Older, experienced players willed the Amerks into another elimination game. Brandon Biro scored twice, including the tying goal with 5:12 left in regulation. Brett Murray won it in overtime after an injury forced him to miss the first three games of the series. Their leadership, along with other players such as Michael Mersch and Joe Cecconi, guided a team that’s dotted with … [Read more...] about Amerks’ latest high-stakes playoff game an opportunity for Sabres’ prospects to grow
Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’
'Appert said if the Amerks scored in the first six or seven minutes of the third period, it would plant a seed of doubt in their opponent’s mind. Another goal seven or eight minutes later would give them a chance to tie it late.' … [Read more...] about Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’
Dahlin showed growth in leadership role, defensive presence in 2023-24
'Answered Thompson: “He’ll play 30 minutes tonight and won’t even sweat.”' … [Read more...] about Dahlin showed growth in leadership role, defensive presence in 2023-24
Savoie, Komarov to compete for respective league championships
'Savoie (first round, 2022) and the Moose Jaw Warriors will take on the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Championship. The best-of-seven series kicks off Friday in Portland. Komarov (fifth round, 2022) and the Drummondville Voltigeurs will play the Baie-Comeau Drakkar for the QMJHL title. The best-of-seven series begins Thursday when Drummondville visits Baie-Comeau.' … [Read more...] about Savoie, Komarov to compete for respective league championships
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’ (Olean Times Herald) Amerks host crunch in winner-take-all Game 5 friday (Amerks.com) Game 5 of North Division Semifinals against Syracuse officially sold out (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 9, 2024
Sabres' focus should shift to trading No. 11 pick in NHL draft now that lottery is over
'Adams, like his predecessors, will try to upgrade the NHL roster through trades. He can choose to do that by dealing from his prospect pipeline. Teams will be interested in forwards like Savoie, Rosen and Kulich if Adams is willing to move one to strengthen the margins of Buffalo’s roster. Why deal a player who may be close to helping the Sabres, though, when you have a high … [Read more...] about Sabres’ focus should shift to trading No. 11 pick in NHL draft now that lottery is over
In grueling, high-stakes games, Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi dazzles for Rochester Amerks
'“The mental battle was definitely prevalent,” he said. “The adversity that we had gone through the game before in double overtime, having to clear your mind from that and then to be down 3-0, those thoughts from the day before kind of come and creep back.' … [Read more...] about In grueling, high-stakes games, Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi dazzles for Rochester Amerks
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
'Physical' and 'nasty,' Murray's return to Amerk lineup was just in time (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Amerks hoping for less stress in decisive Game 5 (WROC-TV) Amerks' coach preaching calmness ahead of win-or-go-home game 5 vs. Syracuse (WHAM-TV) Amerks face off against Crunch in a sold-out showdown (WHEC-TV) Appert’s premonition leads Amerks into do-or-die game … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 8, 2024
How much should the Sabres expect to pay Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen this summer?
'Luukkonen will receive a significant raise as a restricted free agent from the $867,500 that he counted against the Sabres’ salary cap the past two seasons. The 2017 second-round draft pick proved this season that he’s a reliable starting goalie in the NHL with career highs in games played (54), wins (27), save percentage (.910), goals-against average (2.57) and shutouts … [Read more...] about How much should the Sabres expect to pay Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen this summer?
Sabres to pick 11th overall; Sharks win lottery, can draft Macklin Celebrini
'The Sabres, thanks to their disappointing 84-point finish, could’ve moved up as many as 10 spots. They had 3 percent odds for the top pick.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to pick 11th overall; Sharks win lottery, can draft Macklin Celebrini
The Sabres remain 11th overall after the NHL Draft Lottery
'The Buffalo Sabres stayed at No. 11 while the San Jose Sharks get the first overall pick and the Chicago Blackhawks get the second. Last year the Hawks won the lottery and drafted Connor Bedard. San Jose drafted fourth and took Will Smith who just finished his freshman season at Boston College scoring 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points in just 41 games.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres remain 11th overall after the NHL Draft Lottery
Adams focused on next phase of Sabres' success
'"We're in a different phase right now. We need to look at every possible scenario to help our team get better," said Adams with Jeremy White and Joe DiBiase. "When I talk about winning now, that absolutely comes into play. We're certainly not going to do something that doesn't make sense, but we will definitely talk about, that type of move, and does that make sense. Maybe it … [Read more...] about Adams focused on next phase of Sabres’ success