'This will be the most anticipated goaltending debut since Ryan Miller, the franchise's all-time leader in wins, first donned the Sabres crest in a regular-season game on Nov. 19, 2002. Hockey fans in Buffalo have watched Luukkonen’s ascent from afar, from his gold-medal winning performance for Finland at the IIHF World Junior Championship to earning Ontario Hockey League Most … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on cusp of Sabres’ most anticipated goalie debut since Ryan Miller
Archives for April 2021
Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen thrilled for first opportunity with Sabres
'“It helps to see what the pace of the game is and how the level in the NHL looks like,” he said. “You just try to soak up as much as you can and learn how the play falls and what the speed is like. Also it helps to be with the team here and get to know the guys.”' … [Read more...] about Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen thrilled for first opportunity with Sabres
Thursday's Boston Coverage
Sabres to host Marchand and the Bruins (AP) Need to Know: Bruins at Sabres (BostonBruins.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Boston Coverage
Hamilton Take 2: Is Granato the man for the job?
'Granato isn’t the sexy choice. People go gaga over Bruce Boudreau and Gerard Gallant, but don’t forget where Sean McDermott came from. He was a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers with no NFL head coaching experience, but the Pegula’s handed him the keys to the kingdom and looked what happened.' … [Read more...] about Hamilton Take 2: Is Granato the man for the job?
Luukkonen acclimating to Sabres with debut approaching
'Sabres interim coach Don Granato said he would inform his goaltenders on Thursday regarding the team's plans for back-to-back games against the Bruins. If Tokarski gets the nod in the first game, it stands to reason that Luukkonen could make his debut Friday.' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen acclimating to Sabres with debut approaching
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks edged by Crunch in high-scoring affair (Amerks.com) Crunch rally past Amerks, 7-6 (SyracuseCrunch.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Observations: Don Granato, Sabres must find a way to solve the Bruins
'“They were adamant tonight and they showed a very strong, competitive identity,” Granato said. “We got ourselves in trouble early, probably puck management, and chased the game. We chased the game. Rask was good when he had to be, but we didn’t set the pace. They set the pace.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Don Granato, Sabres must find a way to solve the Bruins
Mike Harrington: No matter the result, Dylan Cozens quickly piling up experience
'"His speed is dynamic. And his quickness is even more dynamic," Granato had said of Cozens earlier in the day. "So his first two, three strides, his speed up and down the rink is high end. But it's the first two strides and separation that he's another level. He's in another category there."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: No matter the result, Dylan Cozens quickly piling up experience
The Wraparound: Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar help Bruins defeat Sabres
'The Sabres struggled to generate enough shots, succumbed to the opportunistic Bruins’ relentless pursuit to possess the puck and lost the opening game of a three game series with the Bruins, 2-0.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar help Bruins defeat Sabres
Sabres notebook: Defenseman Will Borgen nears return from broken forearm
'“He’s another player that’s on the cusp of full-time NHL potential,” Granato said. “To get to that point, there’s a lot of little intricacies that he’s gotten right and I’m excited because of that. He’s right on the cusp of full-time duty is the way I look at it and this is a great opportunity for that.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Defenseman Will Borgen nears return from broken forearm
Bruins show Sabres how they must compete: ‘We need to elevate’
'If the Sabres had tied the game early, then perhaps they could’ve generated more momentum and made Tuesday’s game inside KeyBank Center more competitive.' … [Read more...] about Bruins show Sabres how they must compete: ‘We need to elevate’
Sabres notes: Will Borgen nearing return, close to becoming NHL regular
'“It (stinks) because I was just getting in the lineup and playing,” Borgen said of his injury. “It was fun. The last two months or whatever, I’ve never been injured during the season before, but it’s just a lot of training again.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Will Borgen nearing return, close to becoming NHL regular
Sabres sign draft pick Lukas Rousek to entry-level contract
'Rousek, 22, tied his career high by scoring 14 goals and set career highs by registering 24 assists and 38 points in 49 games with Sparta Praha, a Czech League team, this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign draft pick Lukas Rousek to entry-level contract
Wednesday's Boston Coverage
Bruins blank Sabres as Tuukka Rask gets his 51st career shutout (Boston Globe) Some Bruins have been vaccinated, but COVID restrictions keep bonding to a minimum on the road (Boston Globe) Bruins grind out 2-0 win over Sabres for fifth straight victory (Boston Herald) Bruins Notebook: Third line needs to kick in (Boston Herald) David Krejci’s Point Streak Snapped At Four As … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Boston Coverage
Rousek says goodbye in Sparta, he has signed a rookie contract with Buffalo
'"Unfortunately, the Sabers do not have an ideal period, but it is a great chance for me to succeed. If I succeed next or next season, I can prevail. It will only depend on me, "added the twelve-time national team member, who played 49 matches of the basic part in the Spartan jersey this year, scored 14 goals and added 24 assists. In the playoffs he had 11 matches and seven … [Read more...] about Rousek says goodbye in Sparta, he has signed a rookie contract with Buffalo