'"I always say I feel like you can learn something from every goalie and they’re both really good goalies," Luukkonen said after the Sabres practiced for more than hour in KeyBank Center. "I think there’s lots to learn from them and how they play and how they practice. So overall, it was good to spend some time with them. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any playing time but in the … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finds value in 4 Nations even though he didn’t play
Archives for February 2025
Sabres need JJ Peterka to build on his impressive performances
'Peterka’s 23 points over the past 24 games are only one behind Tage Thompson for the most on the Sabres during that span. After enduring a difficult stretch of games, Peterka has emerged as one of their most consistent difference-makers. His 15 goals are 13 fewer than the career-best mark that he set last season, but his 41 points have him on pace to surpass his output from … [Read more...] about Sabres need JJ Peterka to build on his impressive performances
Sabres' Tage Thompson invited to 4 Nations Face-Off final as injury insurance
'Thompson and Pesce will only be eligible to play if the Americans have another player suffer an injury or get struck by illness. The pair is not even allowed to dress and take the morning skate unless that situation arises. The Sabres are not practicing Thursday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tage Thompson invited to 4 Nations Face-Off final as injury insurance
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen rejoins Sabres early; Tage Thompson added to Team USA at 4 Nations
'Luukkonen, 25, served as Team Finland’s third goalie, watching games from the press box as Jusse Saros and Kevin Lankinen handled the netminding duties.' … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen rejoins Sabres early; Tage Thompson added to Team USA at 4 Nations
Luukkonen enjoyed Finland at 4 Nations Face-Off
'“Of course it was unfortunate not to play, I feel like everyone wanted to play but, in the end it was a great experience and I was honored to be part of that team and to represent your nation again.”' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen enjoyed Finland at 4 Nations Face-Off
Ruff: "I think that it has really added to this tournament, the physical flare"
'"It really is incredible how dialed in they will get. You're taking all the best players that are used to playing all the top ice time and all the top positions and power play guys become penalty killing guys, and it's not about the individual anymore. It's just about playing for your country, and for that moment in time, that couple weeks, you've got to give the players a lot … [Read more...] about Ruff: “I think that it has really added to this tournament, the physical flare”
Sabres’ Thompson headed to 4 Nations tournament final as reserve
'“It’s been great, [I’ve] been watching all the games, I thought the U.S.-Canada game was awesome,” he said. “If you’re not a hockey fan, that’ll probably get you hooked. I was sitting there wishing I was there a little bit, it was probably an unreal atmosphere.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Thompson headed to 4 Nations tournament final as reserve
Practice Report | Luukkonen returns as Sabres look ahead to stretch run
'Luukkonen was a full participant in the hour-long session, his attention turned toward the final 28 games of this season as the Sabres work to fight their way back into playoff contention. The team returns to play Saturday at home against the New York Rangers.' … [Read more...] about Practice Report | Luukkonen returns as Sabres look ahead to stretch run
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks atop the AHL after shutout win over Cleveland (Amerks.com) Monsters shut out by Americans in Rochester 4-0 (ClevelandMonsters.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Mike Harrington: How will Lindy Ruff react to big decisions Sabres have ahead?
'Nothing has gone as planned with this season. There's no way Ruff imagined he would be coaching the last-place team in the Eastern Conference. And if you look at the standings, the Sabres are legitimately the only team in the East out of the playoff hunt.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: How will Lindy Ruff react to big decisions Sabres have ahead?
Jordan Greenway on track to return to Sabres' lineup; Mattias Samuelsson practices
'Jordan Greenway, a power forward and penalty killer for the Sabres, practiced with the team again Monday and received clearance from the medical staff to play against the New York Rangers on Saturday in KeyBank Center. "Right now, all plans are as if he's ready to go," Ruff said of Greenway.' … [Read more...] about Jordan Greenway on track to return to Sabres’ lineup; Mattias Samuelsson practices
Sabres notes: Mattias Samuelsson set to play after breaking bone in foot
'The 6-foot-4, 227-pound Samuelsson missed the Sabres’ final two games before the NHL began its break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. He expects to play when they resume their schedule Saturday afternoon against the New York Rangers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Mattias Samuelsson set to play after breaking bone in foot
Thompson still has dream of playing in Olympics with Team USA
'"It's tough. You want to be there representing your country and playing in those types of games, but it’s out of my control," said Thompson following Tuesday's practice. "A lot of the guys there, rooting for them, wishing them all the best. Hopefully they get the job done."' … [Read more...] about Thompson still has dream of playing in Olympics with Team USA
4 Nations Tournament brings different reactions in Buffalo Sabres locker room
'"That USA, Canada first period I think was the best first period of hockey I've ever seen," added defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. "It's been cool to see Ras (Rasmus Dahlin) and Joki (Henri Jokiharju) just to see how much those guys care about it and how much it means to put on the sweater of your country; it's cool to watch."' … [Read more...] about 4 Nations Tournament brings different reactions in Buffalo Sabres locker room
Ruff sets Sabres sights on improbable playoff push
'Only two teams have played over .700 hockey this season as the Washington Capitals have a .727 points percentage and the Winnipeg Jets have a points percentage of .723.' … [Read more...] about Ruff sets Sabres sights on improbable playoff push