'Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen awoke feeling ill, preventing the Sabres from recalling the 23-year-old goalie from Rochester less than 24 hours after he was loaned to the Amerks to create room for Eric Comrie to be activated from injured reserve.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Eric Comrie thrust into action with UPL sick, Sabres fall to Kraken
Archives for January 11, 2023
Mike Harrington: The Sabres were better, but that's not good enough anymore
'The Sabres outshot the Kraken, 35-22, holding the NHL's highest-scoring road team to its third-lowest shot count of the season. The attempts were 63-36. But a telling number was the fact the Kraken actually had more high-danger chances (15-13).' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Sabres were better, but that’s not good enough anymore
Sabres generate offense again, still fall to Kraken; Eric Comrie returns to net
'The good news is they got some of their mojo back in Tuesday’s 4-3 setback, generating offense again while taking the Seattle Kraken down to the wire. They looked much better than they did in Monday’s dreadful 4-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres generate offense again, still fall to Kraken; Eric Comrie returns to net
Sabres notes: Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka sit as healthy scratches; UPL misses start
'“(They) have not been playing as well as they’re capable of lately, and we think that will help them take a step back, take a breather,” Sabres coach Don Granato said in KeyBank Center. “Obviously, we’ve got two guys that have been out for some duration with Aspy and Vinnie that we feel this is a good opportunity to get in there and give the other two a little bit of a rest.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka sit as healthy scratches; UPL misses start
Wednesday's Seattle Coverage
With road victory over Sabres, Kraken’s 6-game win streak best in, well, about a month (Seattle Times) Philipp Grubauer slides in with Kraken win streak well underway, turns in 32 saves (Seattle Times) Final Buzzer: Sword Fight (SeattkeKrakenHockey.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Seattle Coverage
Kraken make it 6 in a row with 4-3 win over Sabres
'“We had some momentum for the majority of the game and we kind of sat back a little bit,” Tuch said. “Got a little frustration, left some spots open in the D-zone, and that’s when they capitalized.”' … [Read more...] about Kraken make it 6 in a row with 4-3 win over Sabres
Kraken solve Sabres for second time this season
'Tuch was able to score his second goal of the night with just over 20 seconds remaining in regulation to bring the Sabres to within a goal, 4-3. However, it was not enough to help Buffalo draw even before the end of regulation.' … [Read more...] about Kraken solve Sabres for second time this season
Opinion: Sabres can't keep track of Kraken, lose second-straight game
'Sabres head coach Don Granato blamed the team missing some golden opportunities to score - he’s not wrong - but I think it was horrendous defensive zone coverage that led to three Seattle goals.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres can’t keep track of Kraken, lose second-straight game
Granato wants to watch players' minutes during long stretch
'“You have to stay small picture," said Granato during his weekly appearance on the "Howard and Jeremy Show" on WGR. "The playoff race, I think, is something that it’s exciting when you talk about it, but for us, we need to stay focused on the moment.” Granato said.' … [Read more...] about Granato wants to watch players’ minutes during long stretch
Opinion: Three observations: Sabres fall short against Kraken
'Rotating certain players in and out of the lineup over these next two weeks will be crucial in the team's ability to win games. The players need to stay fresh and energized for games that will have a key impact on playoff possibilities.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Three observations: Sabres fall short against Kraken
Sabres swept by Kraken in season series, fall 4-3
'In his first game back since November 16th, Eric Comrie stopped 17 of the 21 shots he faced. The Sabres are back in action as they close out a four-game home stand on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.' … [Read more...] about Sabres swept by Kraken in season series, fall 4-3
Sabres surrender lead twice in 2nd straight loss
'The Sabres generated more shots and scoring chances in a matchup between two of the NHL’s highest-scoring teams. But they failed to capitalize in a 4-3 loss against the streaking Seattle Kraken, winners of six straight.' … [Read more...] about Sabres surrender lead twice in 2nd straight loss
Beniers sets Kraken record with 5-game goal streak in win against Sabres
'Eric Comrie made 18 saves in his first start since sustaining a lower-body injury Nov. 16. "It's going to take time," he said. "This is my first game in a long time in the NHL. You're not just stepping into the easiest environment in the world. I mean, you're stepping into the best league in the world. Yeah, I felt fine, but there's still a feeling I wasn't quite all there, if … [Read more...] about Beniers sets Kraken record with 5-game goal streak in win against Sabres
Postgame Report | Tuch scores twice, but Sabres' rally falls short
'"I think they capitalized and we didn't, honestly," Tuch said. "I thought we had some momentum for the majority of the game and when we kind of sat back a little bit, got a little frustration, left some spots open in the D zone and that's when they capitalized."' … [Read more...] about Postgame Report | Tuch scores twice, but Sabres’ rally falls short
Baker: Looking back at Kulich, Rosen and Ostlund's 2023 WJC performances
'Rochester Americans forward Jiri Kulich (2022, first round) certainly did his part in helping Czechia secure a silver medal, pacing his squad with seven goals, nine points, and 39 shots on goal. His goal and shot totals ranked second to only budding Canadian mega-star Connor Bedard (eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft) among all tournament participants.' … [Read more...] about Baker: Looking back at Kulich, Rosen and Ostlund’s 2023 WJC performances